Cold Weather and Aging
True or False: Older Adults have a higher chance of being negatively effected by cold weather
What is TRUE?
This type of walk can help ensure you do not fall on icy terrain
What is the Penguin Shuffle? Bonus points if you can demonstrate!
In the United States this many individuals die from hypothermia each year
What is up to 1,500 individuals each year?
This body temperature is considered extremely/dangerously low
What is 95 degrees? If your body reaches this temperature seek medical attention immediately!
These chronic health conditions can make it harder for older adults to stay warm
What are diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson's, and arthritis?
This can be carried on your person and used to melt ice and create traction on icy sidewalks
What is kitty litter? MEOW!
These groups of people are more likely to experience hypothermia
Who are, the elderly, children, folks who are homeless, and those who work outdoors in winter?
These are the best ways to safely warm up after being out in the very cold
What are, getting out of the cold, remaining calm, removing wet clothing and putting on something dry, warm, and moisture wicking, making sure to cover your head. Drinking warm liquids and eating high energy foods. Using a heated blanket if possible?
These types of medications can make it difficult to regulate body temperature
What are certain cold medications such as antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), decongestants like pseudoephedrine, and some beta-blockers?
According to the CDC, these many Americans slip and fall on ice every year
What are 1 million Americans? A significant portion of these individuals are older adults.
These are all considered symptoms of hypothermia
What are, uncontrollable shivering, cold, pale skin, numbness, fatigue, poor circulation, disorientation, slurred speech, bluish or puffy skin?
These are things Polk County is doing to help navigate cold weather obstacles
What are, making most library and community centers available as warming shelters and offering free DART bus rides to these shelters?
The reasons why chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease give older adults a higher chance of hypothermia
What is they can impair circulation, respiratory function, and overall energy levels, leaving older adults more vulnerable to cold-related injuries?
Things you can do to prevent a fall on ice
What are, wearing adequate footwear with traction like treads or chains, use mobility devices like canes and walkers, ensure ice and snow have been removed from sidewalks before going out, and exercise regularly to improve balance and reaction time?
This is considered the best time of day to go out in the winter time
What is, mid morning between 7am and 9am? When the sun is highest in the sky, providing the most natural light and warmth, which can help boost your mood and energy levels while also maximizing your vitamin D intake
These are things you do NOT want to do to try and warm up after being in the cold
What are, taking a warm bath, physical activity that causes sweating, drinking alcohol or caffeine, using tobacco, or sitting closely to a heater?
Another reason why getting older makes us more likely to experience negative effects from cold exposure
What is the body’s natural insulation, which includes fat deposits and muscle mass, gradually diminishes over time. This makes it increasingly difficult for older adults to maintain their core body temperature in the face of cold exposure?
These are all good things to do while out walking in the winter snow and ice
What are, scanning the area 10-15 feet in front of you, keeping your hands out of your pockets, testing your footing before committing, being aware of curbs and terrain changes? Any others you can think of?
These are all considered symptoms of frostbite
Skin color: Skin may appear pale, yellow, bluish, white, grayish-yellow, or dark purple or black
Skin texture: Skin may feel abnormally firm or waxy
Pain: Skin may be red, painful, or aching
Sensation: Skin may feel numb, have a pins and-needles feeling, or have a stinging or burning sensation
Blisters: Blisters may appear filled with clear fluid or blood
Gangrene: In severe cases, skin and tissues may turn black and die
This is how long you can be outside in 0 degree weather before frostbite can occur
What is 30 minutes? If the temperature is -15 frostbite can occur in as little as 15 minutes, even if you are wearing protective clothing.