Holiday Tips for Supporting Elderly Loved Ones at Home
While the holidays are synonymous with togetherness, many elderly individuals experience increased isolation and loneliness during this time. Physical limitations,…
Did you know that temperatures do not have to be below freezing for hypothermia to develop? In cold weather, millions of older people risk developing hypothermia. That means low body temperature. Normal body temperature needs to be about 98.6 degrees F. If cold causes it to drop below 95 degrees F, dangerous things start to happen. The heart begins to slow down; the body becomes weak; and the mind becomes confused.
One of the most dangerous things about hypothermia is that it causes the mind to become confused. When a person is confused it’s very hard to make good decisions. Confusion can keep a person from recognizing danger and seeking help. This is why many older adults die from hypothermia in their own homes.
Danger Signs If an older adult has any of these signs, suspect hypothermia:
Risks The following things can increase the risk of developing hypothermia:
Prevention Stay warm. If temperatures are cool or cold, the best thing to do is to dress warmly.
If you are concerned about an older adult who may be living at high risk for severe cold, check in on them often. If you believe someone is not safe from cold conditions, contact your state or area agency on aging. They can direct you to services that are available in your community.
Ramona K. Hunt M.S. Director of Leadership and Development Touching Hearts, Inc.
The above information on danger signs, risks, and prevention was developed in conjunction with the Center for Environmental Physiology, 1511 K Street, NW, Suite 732, Washington DC 20005, and the American Gas Association.
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