As the temperature drops and the wind chill increases, those whose bodies are not able to easily regulate the temperature, such as the elderly, are at a serious risk for winter illness. Avoiding extreme cold weather and maintaining a safe home temperature may help prevent illness in the elderly.
The elderly are more susceptible to illness for many reasons. Elderly persons have less insulating fat than other adults and also have a slower metabolism, which allows less body heat to be generated and their bodies do not adjust to low temperatures easily. They may also lack the muscle that helps them to stay warm as the temperature lowers. Much of the elderly live on a fixed income and are afraid of high electric bills, so they do not get the proper heating they require. In addition, many elderly people are unaware of temperature change due to dementia or certain medications they may be taking. They may not remember how to change their thermostat, or they may be unable to physically adjust it, due to health conditions.
Due to these conditions, the elderly are at a high risk for hypothermia, frostbite, and influenza. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, cold, pale skin, poor circulation, slowed breathing and heartbeat, slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, and bluish or puffy skin. Seniors may develop accidental hypothermia after exposure to even mild cold weather or a slight drop in temperature.
Frostbite is another hazard for the elderly, since it often happens without warning. Frostbite refers to actual freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue which is likely to occur any time skin temperature gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Areas that are most likely to freeze are toes, fingers, ears, cheeks, and the tip of the nose. Symptoms of frostbite include gradual numbness, hardness and paleness of the affected area, pain and tingling or burning in the affected area following warming, and a possible variation in skin color.
To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, it is important to dress warmly in many thin layers, even indoors. Seniors are advised to wear a hat when outdoors, and avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. They should also eat high-energy foods along with warm food and liquids. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it can take away body heat. In addition, it is very important that the temperature in the home of elderly persons should be no lower than 68 degrees during the winter months.
Contracting influenza is another winter hazard that the elderly face. The flu is a virus that affects the respiratory system. The symptoms of influenza include fever, coughing, shaking chills, body aches, headache and fatigue. To prevent influenza, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene, including washing your hands after sneezing or coughing, maintain proper ventilation, avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, and most importantly, get the flu vaccine.
The most important factor in preventing winter illness or deaths in the elderly is to maintain appropriate body temperature, maintain proper personal hygiene, and to have a friend or neighbor routinely look in on them to make sure they are in good health.
For more information on this topic or to make an appointment, please contact Dr. Leigh Copeland at Medical West Health Center Parkwest, (205) 481-8530.