Winter Wellness Tips for Older Adults - myotspot.com (2025)

Health and wellness among older adults are both very important to maintain during the colder months of the year. As occupational therapists, we have the unique position to help improve our patients’ safety. For regions that experience a freezing and/or snowy winter, here are some tips that could potentially save a life.

These tips are geared towards older adults over age 65, as age-related changes in the body can make it harder to notice when you are becoming too cold. A body temperature of 95°F or lower can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Unique Winter Risks for Older Adults

There are factors that put your patients in a more vulnerable position when combating winter. According to The National Institute on Aging, older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm.

Some unique hazards found in winter are:

  • Slip and falls (especially outside on icy surfaces)
  • Frostbite (injury to the skin after exposure to below-freezing temperatures)
  • Worsening symptoms of arthritis
  • Hypothermia (a medical emergency that happens if your body temperature is too low)
  • Difficulty managing diabetes or diet during some holiday seasons
  • Staying isolated or sedentary (not leaving the home and not being as physically active)
  • Car accidents

Why Might Older Adults Fall in Winter?

Patients could be more nervous or tense about going outside. They may not have the right personal gear or environmental supports. Their movement is restricted in large coats and clunky boots. They could have decreased skills in the following areas due to winter inactivity:

  • Range of motion
  • Endurance
  • Muscle strength
  • Balance
  • Frostbite

Impaired blood circulation is common in older adults. This, along with improper clothing, can increase the risk of frostbite. Frostbite leads to loss of color and feeling in the affected area, typically the ears, nose, feet, or hands.

Initial redness or pain can be a sign of this condition. Cover any exposed skin and move away from the cold as soon as possible. Be sure to wear hats, scarves, and gloves!

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Arthritis

You may have heard patients say that colder weather makes their “bones ache.” Maybe they can “feel when it’s going to rain.” There is some scientific truth to this.

“When the weather gets cooler, the synovial fluid that acts like motor oil in our joints becomes more like sludge.” – Cedars-Sinai

Joints can detect changes in atmospheric pressure. Barometric pressure changes can influence the expansion of muscles and tendons. This may make arthritic joints feel more “crowded.” Frigid temperatures can also impact pain sensitivity, blood circulation, and muscle spasms (Cedars Sinai).

Hypothermia

Not everyone will shiver as a sign of hypothermia. Early signsof hypothermia are:

  • Pale skin
  • Puffy face
  • Slow speech
  • Anger or confusion
  • Late signs are:
  • Clumsiness
  • Slow pulse
  • Stiff jerky movements
  • Passing out
  • Shallow breathing

If you suspect hypothermia in someone, you should warm them up with blankets and call emergency services. Offer a warm drink (but not alcohol or caffeine). Don’t rub the skin or use hot water right away, use layers and move to a warmer location first.

Tip: Wearing 2-3 loose layers of thin clothing is warmer than one thick sweater. You want to trap warm air between the layers, and also be able to remove them if you overheat (Winter Safety for Older Adults, Heath in Aging).

Diabetes

If your patient celebrates holidays over the winter, they might be attending parties with many more food and drink options. If it’s not a special occasion, they may be snacking more if they’re bored at home. Make sure to educate them about maintaining a healthy diet, checking their blood sugar, and bringing their medications to gatherings (Bay State Health).

Tip: If you are diabetic, don’t go to a party hungry, since you may affect your blood sugar level or overeat once you arrive. Eat a healthy snack beforehand, or bring your own food with you.

Diabetes impacts the flow of blood that would normally provide warmth. Keep limbs warm and dry when outside, and use moisture-wicking socks like cotton or wool. Diabetes can impact sensation in the limbs and lead to frostbite or burns without noticing. Avoid getting up close to radiators or fireplaces for too long.

Inactivity

Older adults have a higher risk of developing a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clot. Reduced physical activity, which can happen in winter, is a major risk factor for developing a clot (Pathways Health).

Encourage your patients to stick to their daily exercise program while watching out for any new symptoms of:

  • Swelling
  • Calf cramps
  • Redness or warmth in one spot
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain

Community Mobility

Educate patients about preparing their vehicle before bad weather arrives. Check antifreeze and fluid amounts, tires, and windshield wipers. A safety kit can be stored in the car in case of emergency with the following items:

  • First aid kit
  • Blanket
  • Extra clothes
  • Ice scraper
  • Shovel
  • Rock salt, sand, or cat litter (for tire traction if stuck)
  • Snacks
  • Flashlight
  • Paper map

Spend an OT session reviewing adaptive equipment as well. Replace rubber tips or tennis balls on walkers before they are worn down. Assess add-ons for:

  • Tips of canes (spikes)
  • Bottom of shoes (ice cleats)
  • Gliders for walkers to improve stability over snowy surfaces
  • Medical Conditions

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Some pre-existing conditions to be aware of are:

  • Thyroid conditions can make it hard to maintain a normal body temperature.
  • Parkinson’s and arthritis can affect movement, which makes it harder to get dressed, handle a heavy blanket, or walk away from a cold area.
  • Cognitive decline can cause patients to choose improper clothing or forget to bundle up.
  • Certain medications will affect body heat, too. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects and how to handle them.

Include interventions for the above issues in your OT program. This means safety awareness, strength/mobility, and memory aids!

Final Winter Tips

Occupational therapy practitioners can also address emotional wellness with patients who feel stuck at home. Explore the following areas with them:

  • Indoor workouts
  • Virtual social clubs or connecting with loved ones
  • Indoor hobbies like knitting, baking, puzzles, and coloring
  • Journaling or pen pals
  • Senior centers and local libraries (some have virtual services, transportation, free supplies, or just helpful suggestions)

Winter doesn’t have to be a scary or sedentary time for older adults. With the right education about fall risk and other health conditions, OTs can help maintain their clients’ wellness year-round.

Sources

Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults (NIA)

Diabetes and Cold Weather: Seasonal Tips for Managing Your Health (Bay State)

Tip Sheet: Winter Safety for Older Adults (Bay State)

Winter Wellness Tips for Older Adults - myotspot.com (2025)
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