Pay special attention to needs of elderly during winter

By Dipali Pathak

The cold winter months can be especially hard on elderly members of the community, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.

"It's essential for elders to prepare for the winter season," said Robert Roush, Ed.D., M.P.H., of the Huffington Center on Aging at BCM. But he cautioned that even those precautions can turn into problems for the elderly.

"As we age, the body loses the ability to regulate temperature," said Roush, also an associate professor of medicine - geriatrics at BCM. "Frail elders may turn the heat on higher than most of us, which can lead to dehydration and that causes confusion, increasing one's risk of falling or taking too much or not enough essential medications."

Elders must be careful to control the temperature to avoid having their homes become too hot or, conversely, too cold, which can lead to hypothermia. Since older people often lose their sense of thirst, they should always be sure to drink plenty of liquids.

Beware of severe conditions

Extremely cold weather can also cause severe conditions, including ice, snow and power outages, so Roush recommends stocking up on essential groceries and other items ahead of time. Older people also lose lean muscle mass, and bones become more brittle; thus, there is less padding around the hips. Even a small slip or fall on ice can result in a broken hip or forearm, leading to severe medical complications.

Roush recommends having someone frequently check on elderly family members or neighbors, and offering help with driving as the sun goes down earlier and it becomes difficult to see on the roads. He also urges elders to always have a form of communication with others, whether it's a portable phone, cell phone or even an emergency response system.

Flu shot recommended

Another important precaution is a flu shot, but this is not just for elders.

"We recommend that elders do get the flu shot, but other family members, especially young children, should also get vaccinated to prevent spreading it to others," said Roush.

Because the immune system is affected by age, elders should seek medical care if symptoms of a cold or flu don't subside.

Holiday blues

Roush also emphasizes preventing the holiday blues. Bereavement and other stress issues require special attention during the holidays to prevent one from becoming unduly depressed.

Roush encourages elders to get involved in holiday festivities and ask for help once in a while. Family members and neighbors can also lend a helping hand by putting up decorations or running errands to make the holidays a joyous time for elders.