by Carol Gioia

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 01, 2010

Winter weather brings unique challenges for seniors. The older you are, the more you might feel the cold. You may be tempted to hunker down at home in hibernation until the spring thaw. 

You will need to prevail upon your will-power, more than at any other time of the year, in order to strategize how to survive and thrive during the cold weather months.

Tips for getting through the winter:

* Ward off potential health issues

Take advantage of the flu shot clinics that abound in Autumn and get yourself inoculated.

Stock up on all the medicines you take daily or arrange to order future doses by mail, in order to avoid trips to the pharmacy in inclement weather.

Make sure you have a well-stocked medicine chest containing products for treating colds, headaches, indigestion or minor aches and pains that do not require professional medical attention.

Put night lights in the hallway and bathroom to avoid tripping, or bumping into objects, should you have to get up during the night.

Keep your regularly scheduled doctor appointments, even if it means imposing on relatives for transportation. Some communities have a bus or shuttle available for seniors.. Avoid driving in stressful weather and traffic conditions.

Arrange to have your snow shoveled and take precaution when navigating ice on the way to the mailbox, or grocery shopping. You can arrange to have groceries delivered to your home, as most major grocery stores have on-line services.

* Dress appropriately

Get into the habit of dressing in layers during the winter months. At home, wear sweats or loose comfortable clothing topped with a sweater that can be removed when you get heated up through activity or cooking. Body temperature tends to be erratic in the elderly; one minute you might be chilled to the bone, and the next, breaking into a sweat. Either extreme is not healthy for you.

Wear socks to keep your feet warm. Ensure comfortable footwear has safety soles, in order to avoid accidents, such as slipping down the stairs, or on the ice when you are out and about.

Keep afghans or throws handy where you ordinarily sit. Cover up when you are chilled, rather than repeatedly adjusting the thermostat and wreaking havoc with your utility bill.

* Drink plenty of fluids

When the heat is running and you are spending most of the time in the house, your skin might become excessively dry. You can mitigate this possibility by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Staying adequately hydrated will

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