50+ Lifestyles

Winter Safety: 4 Tips to Prevent Falls and Stay Safe

By Milestones Agency on Aging

While most of us can admire the beauty of a snow-blanketed landscape, we often feel less appreciation when that same winter weather brings extra fall hazards to our doorstep. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and slippery surfaces from winter weather pose a predictable risk. The good news: When we can predict, we can prepare.

You may be wondering, How can I prevent myself from falling in winter? Following these tips for winter preparedness can greatly reduce everyone’s risk of falling this cold season:

1.  Ask for a fall risk screening: When you visit your primary care provider, ask your doctor to conduct a screening for fall risk, such as the STEADI fall risk screening from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), visit: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html. Use the results to discuss concerns and strategies to reduce your risk with your doctor, friends, and family. Before your doctor visit, consider taking the Falls Free CheckUp as a starting point. Take the quiz at: https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/.

2.  Sprinkle cat litter on slick surfaces: You can reduce your risk of slipping on icy surfaces by creating even a little bit of traction. Sprinkling cat litter is an easy, affordable way to achieve this. Carry a small bag filled with lightweight cat litter in your pocket and cast it out ahead of yourself as you’re walking on slick surfaces.

3.  Give the gift of fall prevention: There are many tools that can be useful in reducing your risk for falls. Consider adding the following items to your shopping list for yourself or others:

• Motion-sensored fall alarm systems.
• Higher toilet seats.
• Multifocal glasses with single-vision eyeglass lenses.
• Grab bars.
• Firm stair railings.
• Lights over stairways and by outside entrances.
• A table to set down bags while finding keys.
• Flashlights to attach to keys and clothing.

4.  “Winterize” shoes, boots, and assistive devices:

• Attach spikeless ice and snowshoe gripper sole covers to shoes for extra stability when walking on slippery surfaces. Look for these at sporting goods stores.
• Choose winter shoes with rubber soles to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
• Attach an ice gripper cane tip that has spikes on the bottom to penetrate the ice and secure a firm grip. Ice grip tips can be purchased online.

While these tips are great for keeping you on your feet in winter weather, did you know you have the power to lower your risk of falling year-round? Milestones AAA offers evidence-based programs and other resources for fall prevention. Visit MilestonesAAA.org or call 855-610-4222.

Milestones Area Agency on Aging can connect caregivers to valuable community programs, educational opportunities, respite care options, and guidance on access to local services. For more information on how we can assist caregivers, visit MilestonesAAA.org.