As the temperature drops, potential for illness and injury rises, especially among older adults. While illness and injury may be simply an inconvenience for the rest of us, they can be very dangerous or even life threatening for older adults.

Influenza and Pneumonia
Influenza and pneumonia can have a severe impact on the elderly. American Medical News recently reported that the flu causes 36,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations each year, most of which occur among the elderly. Pneumonia and influenza combined are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

Seniors should be encouraged to take influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, keys to staying healthy during the winter. Both are free to Medicare recipients. While they may not always completely prevent illness, the vaccinations can greatly reduce the severity of influenza and pneumonia.

Injury
Falls are more likely to occur in the winter due to weather conditions. For older adults, falling can cause severe physical and psychological damage, leading to loss of independence and even death. A bad fall can hurt an older person’s confidence about going out, which could lead to isolation and loneliness.

New research from King’s College, London, suggests that identifying and correcting the cause of falls rather than just treating the resultant injury would cut repeat falls by as much as 50%. In some cases, the cause might be visual impairment, in others in might be the need for suitable footwear.

Tailored exercise programs that increase strength and balance can also help prevent falls, as well as minimize injuries. It can also help people with osteoporosis, arthritis and other conditions move more comfortably, which reduces likelihood of falls.

Joint Pain & Arthritis
Many people affected by joint pain or arthritis complain that it worsens during the winter, and with good reason. When the body is cold, less blood circulates to peripheral areas as the body attempts to keep its core warm. Air pressure changes can also cause additional inflammation in joints and tissues. Also, in colder temperatures, the body’s pain sensors work harder, making the pain more intense or more noticeable.

Staying warm — through appropriate clothing and building temperatures — and using heating pads can help minimize joint pain. Maintaining daily joint movement through exercise and gentle stretching may also help reduce pain.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia can occur due to conditions inside as well as outside. Dressing appropriately, wearing layers and keeping indoor temperatures warm can prevent the body’s temperature from dropping. Older adults should take extra precautions because their bodies are less able to adapt to temperature changes. Conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation and arthritis can also increase the chance of hypothermia.

Skin Care
Skin irritation and dryness is common in the winter. Frequent hand washing, hot water and hot temperatures indoors can further exacerbate skin condition. Seniors are prone to various skin conditions, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, during the winter, most of which can be treated with moisturizers and skin ointments. Psoriasis, which can increase in severity with age, is often worse during the winter requiring extra care.

Overall, monitoring the physical and mental well-being of seniors can help them stay healthy during the winter months. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can also help them stave off illness and the winter blues.