1. What do some older adults say about hypothermia?
Bob’s story—Keep warm inside.
“Vermont winters can be very cold. Last December I wanted to save some money so I turned my heat down to 62 degrees. I didn’t know that would put my health in danger.
Luckily, my son Tyler came by to check on me. He saw I was only wearing a light shirt and that my house was cold. Ty says I was speaking slowly, shivering, and having trouble walking. He wrapped me in a blanket and called 911.
Turns out I had hypothermia. My son’s quick thinking saved my life. Now on cold days, I keep my heat at least at 68 degrees and wear a sweater in the house.”
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 Bob's tips
1. Set your heat at 68 degrees or higher. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using.
2. To keep warm at home, wear long johns under your clothes. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
3. When you go to sleep, wear long johns under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.
4. Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. |
Kay’s story—Bundle up on windy, cool days.
“We’re a farm family and the chores don’t stop when the weather gets cold. My sister Sarah and I are in our 70’s. When it is cold we wear our gloves, hats, boots, scarves, and layers of loose clothing under our jackets.
We don’t stay outside for long stretches. When the wind is really whipping, we stay inside and call on my grandsons to help with the outdoor work. It doesn’t have to be freezing out for an older person to get hypothermia.”
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 Kay's tips
1. Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or damp days.
2. Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
3. Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.
4. Stay inside when it is very windy outside. A high wind can quickly lower your body temperature. |
Rodney’s story—Stay active!
“I have diabetes and my wife Rita has had some heart problems. Dr. Mills said the medicines we take could make it easy for us to get really cold before we even know what is happening. That’s not good. The doctor said it would help if we stay active, even in cold weather. So, in the fall and winter we walk inside at the shopping center each morning to stay active. It’s great! Rita and I can keep moving and still stay inside when it’s cold.”
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 Rodney's tips
1. Talk to your doctor about any health problems and medicines that can make hypothermia a special problem for you.
2. Find safe ways to stay active even when it’s cold outside. |
These tips from Bob, Kay, and Rodney can help you stay warm in cold weather.
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