Cold weather can be a difficult time for everyone, especially the members of a retirement community in Salisbury, Maryland, where temperatures can drop significantly during the winter months.
As we age, our bodies become less and less tolerant and adaptable to lower temperatures, making us more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. In this article, we will learn how cold weather in Salisbury, MD can affect its citizens, especially those in the golden age, and what steps can be taken to stay safe, warm, and healthy during the winter months.
Frostbite
If you or your loved ones are subjected to very low temperatures, the epithelial tissue under the skin and the skin itself freezes. This results in frostbite. Frostbites, generally, affect fingers, toes, nose, and ears, and symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a loss of feeling in the affected areas.
With advancing age, you may be more susceptible to frostbite due to decreased circulation and a decreased ability to feel changes in temperature. If frostbite occurs, place the frostbitten part in warm water and seek medical assistance immediately.
Hypothermia
When the body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), the condition is called Hypothermia. With the cold weather in Salisbury, MD, this condition is more common than one would expect, especially for older adults.
Shivering, pale or ashy skin complexion, slowed reflexes, mental confusion, reduced breathing, and weak heartbeats are some of the most common symptoms of Hypothermia.
Joint Pain
While the correlation of joint pain to the cold weather in Salisbury, MD during winters is still not clear, many older adults, especially those who have arthritis, observe that their joints become painfully stiff. Mild daily exercises and indoor swimming lessons have proven to be the best solution for this problem.
Lung Spasms
Older adults with asthma or any other respiratory conditions are the most susceptible to developing lung spasms. It is a condition where the muscle lining of the bronchi tightens, restricting air passage. The use of a mask is advised so that the air entering your lungs is warmed by your own breath. This is indeed an excellent method to prevent lung spasms as the major trigger of lung spasms is cold air.
Winter-induced depression
In addition to physical health risks, cold weather can also affect mental health. Many people may feel isolated and lonely during the winter months due to reduced socialization and reduced access to outdoor activities.
To combat these feelings, it’s important for those in their golden years to stay connected with friends and family, and to participate in indoor activities that promote socialization and physical activity.
Safety measures
To stay safe and healthy during cold weather in Salisbury, MD, there are a few simple precautions older adults can take:
- Stay warm: Wear layers, cover your head and ears, and use blankets and heaters to keep your home warm.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as the dry air of winter can cause dehydration.
- Stay active: Exercise regularly to keep your body in good condition and to help regulate your body temperature.
- Stay connected: Stay in touch with friends and family and participate in indoor activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Stay informed: Keep track of the weather forecast and be prepared for extremely cold weather or storms.
Conclusion
It’s important for family members and caregivers to check in on their loved ones regularly during the winter season to ensure they are staying warm and healthy. With a little planning and preparation, your loved ones can enjoy the cold weather in Salisbury, MD.
Assisted Living care homes with a well-trained and committed team like ours, are always a good option for your loved ones who may get lonely during winter and want a safe space to provide them with warmth.
