It has been hot in Southern California lately which is nice and warm for most of us until this week. The cold winds, the rains, and the storms came all at once. It is time to dig deep into your closet and get all your winter clothes out. Many youngsters love this weather but this cold weather can be harmful to many seniors.

Once you hit your middle ages, you are prone to have less fat, slower circulation and a more sluggish metabolism. With that, cold weather can be dangerously chilled for many elderly.

There are a few things to help keep seniors safe this winter.

1. Clothing: I mentioned before that it is time to dig in your closet and take out mittens, scarves, sweaters, hats, long john thermal wear and coats to be ready to grab.

2. Heaters: thought, it is not frigid cold in Southern California, it is still cold for many of us. Take care of your beloved ones by providing them with much-needed warmth during colder climates. Be sure the heater is safe and won’t become health hazards. Avoid gas power heather if you cannot be precaution around your loved ones. Keep all the heaters away from any flammable items.

3. Hypothermia: many seniors face hypothermia and many died when they’re at least 65 years old. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when one’s body loses heat faster than it can produce hear (Mayo Clinic). Make sure that your loved ones are warmly dress and indoor should never be under 65 degrees.

4. Dehydration: seniors eat and drink less than younger people so they are more prone to not drinking enough water. Make sure your love ones are drinking consistently.

5. Ice and snow: if you are living in Southern California like we do and not on top of a mountain, this isn’t an issue for us. Though, many people have beautiful snow and ice in front of their porch, driveway, sidewalk, etc. Seniors should not be walking around on those slippery grounds without attention. Not just ice and snow, bathroom, kitchen and stairway can be very dangerous places around the house for seniors as well.

6. Disaster kit: wherever you live, there will be at least one natural disaster. Winter storms can be ferocious to many houses, be sure that a house is equipped with a disaster kit to help them get through each time. There should be enough canned food and water to last several days.

With this cold weather, many people develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or winter depression. Your elderly loved ones can develop this gloomy, lonely feeling when they are left alone. If you do not have time to care for your elderly loved ones, try reach out to an In-Home Care services agency like us. They can provide your loved ones with care and affection. You can also rest assure when you know there is a professional caregiver who will assist your loved ones at home.

Sources: http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/hngnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/15/415d6a44-73cd-11e3-b291-001a4bcf6878/52c599462e64f.image.jpg, http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/cold-weather-protection-for-seniors-148625.htm, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/basics/definition/con-20020453