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Imagine this winter daydream: You’re taking a long sip of a hot beverage on a very cold day. The heat of the drink seems to light you up from the inside out. The warmth of the cup keeps your fingers toasty. You’re talking with family and friends and the good conversation feels warming, too.
Then you look up and see the time and temperature.
Wait, just how cold is it outside?
The loveliness of wintertime can come to a screeching halt when confronted with extreme cold. The CDC says that any body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit is hypothermic. Staying warm during the winter is always important, but it is especially crucial for seniors, who can easily develop hypothermia when faced with extreme cold.1
As we get older, our bodies have more trouble regulating temperature. According to Medline Plus, the aging body slowly loses the ability to sweat, which means we overheat much faster. But the body also loses the fat layer under the skin, which means you can catch a chill much easier.2 Overheating is a problem during summer, but during the winter, you might find it impossible to stay warm.
As you dive into these tips for staying warmer this winter, don’t forget the importance of peace of mind. You can get that by using senior alert systems. From in-home medical alert pendants with fall detection to mobile panic buttons with GPS, there is an option that fits every season and lifestyle. Look at the offerings from Alert1 right now and you can have medical alert technology in hand by the time the snow falls!
Layer Like Crazy
You might look at a big winter coat and believe it will be incredibly warm, but then you are surprised when you put it on and the frigid wind seems to cut right through you. That’s because no matter how thick the coat, using layers to stay warm is much more effective. But you must know how to properly layer clothing for comfort and warmth.
Layers help you trap heat against your body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides tips for those who will be working outside this winter, and many of those tips apply to seniors and the elderly as well.3
Specifically, the department suggests wearing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing for better insulation around your body. The layer against your skin should be made of wool, silk, or a synthetic material. These fabrics will wick moisture away from the body. The middle layer should be made of wool or a synthetic material. This one is insulating, especially when it’s wet.
The final layer can be made of anything, but keep in mind that the outer layer should be resistant to rain, snow, and wind. That’s where the heavy coat comes in handy!
What about when you’re staying in? Multiple blankets on the bed at night can do the same thing – dressing your bed in layers means you will stay warmer throughout the night. The base layer should be flannel sheets, both the bottom and the top sheet. On top of that, put your heaviest comforter and then top it with thin yet heavy blankets. Snuggle in between the sheets and you’ll stay warm all night.
Use Your Breath
We all discovered something interesting during the pandemic – wearing a face mask can get pretty warm! When you breathe out warm air, the face mask traps it against you and keeps your face much warmer. It also prevents you from breathing in the full impact of icy cold air, which in turn can make it easier to draw in a breath, especially for those who have certain lung conditions.
Take full advantage of wearing a mask this winter, even if you don’t feel sick. When you go outside, use a cloth face mask to cover your mouth, or wrap up your face and neck with a thick scarf. The idea is to trap in your warm breath to help keep you cozy as the winter chill bears down.
Remember that an on-the-go button alarm with GPS tracking can ensure that if you need help anywhere at any time, you can get it by simply pressing the emergency button—perfect for slippery, icy winter conditions.
Use Hand Warmers
Inexpensive hand and foot warmers can be a wonderful addition to your winter arsenal. They’re very easy to use; simply twist or pop the bag and shake the contents to create a chemical reaction from the ingredients. The result is a spreading warmth that can last for many hours, especially when the unit is tucked underneath layers of clothing.
However, there is a caveat: Aging skin might not handle the heat very well. Be careful to never let the warmer come into direct contact with your skin. If your skin feels too hot even with a layer between you and the warmer, remove the warmer from your ensemble.
This also translates into staying warm at night. Some might choose to use hand warmers underneath the blankets to provide an extra shot of warmth. And some might choose to use a hot water bottle. This is a classic remedy with many uses as a warm compress, but it can also radiate gentle warmth while tucked underneath a blanket.
A word to the wise: If you have diabetes, err on the side of caution and don’t use instant warmers. If you have any level of diabetic neuropathy, you might not feel a thermal injury if one were to occur. Safety is always paramount!
Make Wise Food and Drink Choices
The warming effects of a bowl of soup or a cup of hot cocoa are deliciously clear. The heat of these treats feels as though it goes right to the center of your body and radiates from there. While these foods and drinks don’t necessarily raise your body temperature, they can trigger the body to sweat, which makes you feel as though you are warmer than you really are.
In addition, the body produces some heat of its own as it digests food. Fatty foods produce the most heat. So when you are really cold, it’s a good idea to eat something that is high-calorie and rich in healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts, salmon and avocado, or a dinner that includes meat.
When looking at other specific ingredients, ginger should be at the top of the list. Ginger is proven to help increase body temperature; it’s believed that a substance in ginger, known as gingerols, are responsible for triggering the body to release a small amount of adrenaline, which then raises the body temp just slightly. That’s why drinking ginger tea or eating gingerbread can help you feel warmer.
And remember: alcohol and caffeine might seem to warm you up, but they can do more harm than good. Rely on non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks to stay warm.
Reach Out for Help
What if you’re bundled up appropriately but you still can’t get warm?
If you are in your home, make sure the temperature is around 68 to 70 degrees. This is the optimum level to ensure comfort. It is entirely possible to develop hypothermia if the home is colder than that during the winter months.
If you are having trouble keeping your home warm, there are numerous government assistance programs that can help you. One of the most common is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Other programs are available in your local area.
What if your home is toasty but you still can’t get warm no matter what you do? Then you might be looking at an undiagnosed medical condition or side effects of medication. Now is the time to call your doctor and explain how you are feeling. If being cold all the time is caused by a chronic illness, prompt treatment can help you get the symptoms under control and give you a much better winter season.
Stay Warm at All Times
It’s much easier to stay warm than it is to warm up. Make a point of staying warm and don’t allow yourself to get chilled in the first place. To help do this, keep a blanket over your legs whenever possible, in addition to wearing socks and slippers. Wear comfortable pants that cover your legs; if you can’t do that, consider wearing leg warmers instead. Socks should always cover the ankles.
It’s also a great idea to wear long thermal underwear under your pajamas. If you get too hot at night, you can get rid of one layer to cool down.
Another good option is using a heating pad or heated blanket on the lowest setting. This can provide ample warmth. Just be certain there are no medical indications against this that makes it unsafe for you to use a heated blanket or similar device. Your doctor can confirm it.
Look to blankets and other warming methods throughout the day to help you stay warm. As you do what you must to take care of your good health during the winter months, look to another safety net: a medical alert necklace with fall detection from Alert1.
This lightweight, shower proof medical alarm is right at your fingertips all the time, ready for the moment when you need to reach out to the monitoring center. If you suffer any sort of accident not only in the ice or snow, but anytime for any reason, Alert1 sends the help you need right away.
