Winter Safety for Older Adults
As winter settles over New York State, older adults face unique challenges that can make the colder months more difficult, and sometimes more dangerous. From icy sidewalks and frigid temperatures to unpredictable storms, staying safe requires preparation and awareness. In this blog, CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Vice President of Clinical Operations Heather Ogando, MD, walks us through essential winter safety tips tailored for older New Yorkers to help you or your loved ones stay warm and healthy all season long.
Changes that come with aging can make it more difficult for older adults during cold weather. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following conditions can make it harder for them to stay warm:
- Diabetes can prevent blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.
- Thyroid problems can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature.
- Conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and arthritis can affect movement and make it challenging to put on layers of clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold.
- Memory issues can cause a person to forget to take precautions for staying weather-safe, such as wearing appropriate attire.
If you are taking medications, speak with your medical provider to find out if any of them can affect how you deal with the cold. Make sure that you tell your medical provider about all your medications, including over-the-counter (OTC). Having all the information can help them determine any interactions, how your treatment may be affecting you, and advise you on the appropriate course of action.
Plan Ahead!
It is important that you prepare for winter weather. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following items that you can include in your emergency supplies list:
- An alternate way to heat your home during a power failure, and a list of resources where you can go to keep warm.
- Electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements
- Furnace fuel
- Blankets
- Matches
- Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher
- Flashlight or battery-powered lantern
- First aid kit
- Appropriate supply of medications
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered clock or watch
- Extra batteries
- Rock salt
Here are other helpful tips to prepare for cold weather:
If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.*
With extreme cold temperatures, water pipes can freeze in your home. Keep a water supply to ensure you have enough, especially in cases of winter storms that last more than a day.
Your diet is also an important factor that can help you stay warm. Consult your dietitian regarding a well-balanced meal plan for the winter. Remember that caffeinated beverages and alcohol can also cause your body to lose heat faster.
Dress appropriately for the weather. If you are leaving the house, wear a thick coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. If you are going out, remember that winter conditions can increase the likelihood of falls. Click here for tips on how to prevent falls during the winter season.
For CenterLight PACE Participants
CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants are encouraged to speak with members of their care team to ensure that they can deal with extreme winter weather. Participants may also attend the CenterLight PACE Centers during their hours of operation to keep out of the cold by enjoying fun activities, nutritious meals, and access to open gym. To find out the schedule for your site or to schedule your attendance, please call 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM Monday-Friday.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Sources:
*Preparing for a Winter Storm, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, February 7, 2024
Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults, National Institute on Aging
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Updated December 9, 2025