Stay Safe in the Cold: 12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors (updated 2025)
With the changeable weather in Australia and New Zealand it can be tough for seniors to make the lifestyle adjustment from summer to winter. The chillier months come with their own set of challenges, making it extra important for us to look out for older loved ones. In this article we explore common risk factors and suggestions for how seniors can stay safe, healthy and happy during the winter months.
Winter as a senior in Australia and New Zealand
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's report on extreme weather injuries shows that deaths from injury due to extreme cold have been rising gradually, from 8 in 2015–16 to 29 in 2018–19 and 37 in 2020–21. Over a 10-year analysis period, there were 773 injury hospitalisations and 242 deaths related to extreme cold conditions in Australia. This data underscores that cold weather remains a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
As of 2024, approximately17% of Australia's population and 17.2% of New Zealand's population are aged 65 and older. These figures highlight the growing proportion of older adults in both countries, underscoring the importance of safety measures during winter months, when risks such as falls and cold-related illnesses are heightened.
Why are seniors more at risk than others during winter?
Older adults are more vulnerable to cold weather due to several age-related changes in the body. As people age, they experience impaired temperature regulation, making it harder to maintain a stable internal temperature, which increases the risk of hypothermia. In addition, the immune system weakens with age, leaving older individuals more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia and influenza, both of which can lead to severe illness and higher mortality rates among seniors.
Other contributing factors include the presence of chronic health conditions, which can be worsened by colder temperatures. Common medications used by older adults may also interfere with the body's ability to retain heat, increasing cold sensitivity. Furthermore, cold weather often results in reduced physical activity, which can lead to weakened muscles and balance issues, increasing the risk of falls. Taken together, these factors highlight the importance of winter safety strategies for seniors and their families.
While respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV continue to circulate during winter months, the focus has shifted from emergency response to routine preventive care and vaccination programs. Seniors should maintain up-to-date vaccinations and practice good hygiene, but the acute crisis phase of the pandemic has passed.
What are the health risks seniors should be aware of in winter?
Illness (pneumonia, flu, respiratory infections)
Worsening of existing conditions (e.g. chronic pain, heart conditions)
Injuries resulting from falls
Heart attacks and high blood pressure
Seasonal depression
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Dehydration
Fire risks
Vitamin D deficiency
Sleep disruption
Below, we cover tips and advice to help you avoid and minimise these health risks.
12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
1. Prepare your home for winter
Senior Australians spend up to 75-80% of their time indoors, so preparing your home in advance for the colder months can be a lifesaver. Make sure your heating system is working properly and that your home is well-insulated. Get your aircon cleaned and serviced if you use it for heating to ensure it functions properly. Stock up on blankets, easy-to-prepare meals and other amenities. Ensuring you're prepared will reduce the need to go out during the chillier months and reduce the risk of catching a cold or experiencing a fall.
2. Keep yourself warm to prevent chills and hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition that can occur when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius. It can be fatal, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, and numbness or weakness in the extremities.
There are several ways to help you manage your body temperature during the winter:
Wear warm clothing: Make sure to dress in layers and wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep as much body heat as possible.
Stay indoors: If possible, stay indoors and avoid going outside in cold weather. If you must go outside, limit your time outdoors and dress appropriately for the harsh conditions.
Drink warm fluids: Drink warm fluids such as soup, tea, or hot chocolate to help keep your body warm.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can make you more susceptible to hypothermia because they cause your body to lose heat more quickly. It also impairs your judgement, which can lead to dangerous decisions in cold weather.
3. Reduce your risk of falls and other injuries
Seniors have an increased tendency for falls in the winter because they can lose their balance more easily on icy or slippery surfaces.
Older people also tend to stay indoors more during the winter months, which can lead to a lack of exercise and an increased risk of falls. Falls can often result in serious injuries, such as fractures and head injuries, which can be life-threatening, especially if a senior is living alone. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of falls during the winter months, including the following:
Wear appropriate clothing: Make sure to dress warmly and wear shoes with good traction.
Stay active: Do some light exercises even when indoors. You can do simple things like stretching, callisthenics, or yoga. You can also try dancing or walking in place.
Use caution when walking on icy surfaces: Be extra careful when walking on icy surfaces and use a cane or walker if necessary.
Consider wearing a fall detector pendant, especially if you are living independently. A fall detector pendant can help seniors stay safe during winter because it can automatically call for help in case of a fall, especially when the fall leads the wearer to be unconscious or unable to reach for the phone.
4. Combat common winter illnesses
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia and other respiratory infections are serious concerns that can be caused by exposure to cold weather and seasonal viruses. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. These conditions can be particularly serious for seniors, so prevention is key.
There are several ways to prevent respiratory infections, including the following:
Stay up to date with vaccinations: Get your annual flu shot and ensure COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations are current.
Wash your hands regularly: This will help prevent the spread of infection.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick: This will help lessen your chances of getting exposed to illness.
Don't smoke: Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing respiratory infections.
Maintain good indoor air quality: Ensure proper ventilation and consider using air purifiers.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem for seniors during the winter season. The cold weather can aggravate existing joint problems and make it difficult to get around. There are several things that you can do to help ease joint pain, including the following:
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and increase flexibility.
Apply heat or cold: Applying a hot or cold compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Take over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain.
Heart Attacks and High Blood Pressure
The cold weather can cause our blood vessels to constrict, which raises our blood pressure. This puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to a heart attack. Seniors are especially at risk for this because we often have underlying health conditions that can make the situation worse. If you have high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to best stay safe during the winter months.
5. Be aware of seasonal depression
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that can occur during the cold and dark winter days. Symptoms of SAD include feeling depressed most of the day, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Seasonal affective disorder can affect everyone regardless of age, but seniors who live alone tend to struggle with it more often than others. One of the main factors that contributes to depression among older people is a lack of community or interpersonal relationships. This year-round issue, combined with the lack of Vitamin D in winter, makes the colder months especially difficult.
There are several things that you can do to help ease the symptoms of seasonal depression, including the following:
Get your Vitamin D in: Some people find that light therapy or supplements help to boost their Vitamin D levels. In addition to these physical remedies, the best way for you to help maintain seniors' mental health is by spending quality time with them and making them feel loved.
Get some sunlight: Spend time outside, even if it is just for a short walk or stay by the window where the light enters your home. Natural light can help to significantly improve your mood.
Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which can help to improve your mood. It is important to find an exercise routine that you can do at home so you are more likely to stick with it even in the winter.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help improve your mood and give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Talk to someone: An active social life is one of the cornerstones of avoiding depression. Even just talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor can help you feel better and give you someone to talk to about your feelings.
6. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
One of the dangers of the winter months is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, caused by faulty or unflued gas heaters in combination with inadequate ventilation. Although less common than in the past due to increased awareness and technology advancements, CO poisoning remains a serious risk that has been responsible for accidental deaths in recent years.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is odourless and colourless, often caused by faulty indoor heating systems in your home, so it can be difficult to detect. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, especially with no proper ventilation, can cause serious health problems, including death.
There are several things that you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, including the following:
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home: This will help to alert you if there is carbon monoxide present in your home.
Make sure that all heaters are being used properly and serviced/checked regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not leave them unattended.
7. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a common danger for seniors during the winter months. The cold weather and dry air can cause us to lose more fluids than normal, which can lead to dehydration. When we are dehydrated, our bodies are not able to function properly, and we are at risk for several health problems, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and constipation. The symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and decreased urination.
Here's how you can stay hydrated even in the winter:
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink fruit juices and soups to get your daily dose of fluids.
It is also important to moderate the intake of alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
If you think you are dehydrated, seek medical attention immediately.
8. Get enough Vitamin D
Many seniors are at risk for vitamin D deficiency during the winter months. The cold weather and lack of sunlight can cause us to lose more vitamin D than normal, which can lead to health problems. Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health, preventing autoimmune diseases, and reducing the risk of cancer. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Here's how you can get more Vitamin D even when the sun's not out:
During the winter months, it is also important to eat foods that are high in vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs, cheese, and fortified milk.
If you think you are deficient in vitamin D, talk to your doctor about taking Vitamin D supplements.
9. Be conscious of fire risks
Winter continues to be a high-risk season for residential fires. Recent data from Fire and Rescue NSW shows that in 2023, there were 1,063 home fires recorded during the colder months—a 12% increase from the previous year and the highest figure since 2019. Tragically, eight lives were lost, and 115 people were injured. Alarmingly, nearly half of these homes did not have a working smoke alarm. These figures highlight how winter presents increased fire dangers due to the use of heaters, electric blankets, and other heating devices.
Key fire safety measures include:
Maintaining functional smoke alarms with fresh batteries
Using heaters safely and following manufacturer instructions
Never leaving open flames unattended
Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources
Having heating systems professionally serviced annually
10. Tread carefully in icy weather
If a senior family member or friend lives in an area that gets ice or snow during the winter months, there are a few more factors to consider. One of the most prevalent issues older people face during cold weather is pneumonia; the best way to combat this is to ensure they are fully vaccinated, regularly wash their hands and stay away from sick people.
Seniors also need to be especially careful on the road during winter if it’s icy out. The best way for you to help ensure your loved one’s safety is by checking to make sure the car is safe to drive (winter tyres, antifreeze, windshield wipers, etc.) and has an emergency supply kit.
Another common winter health hazard is slippery surfaces – due to the balance issues that come with age, older people need to take extra precautions to avoid slipping on ice. Make sure seniors have rubber-tipped canes
When venturing outside during winter, help your older loved ones take the necessary precautions to keep themselves healthy.
11. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule
The winter months can be a challenge for seniors when it comes to their body clock. The cold weather and lack of sunlight can cause our body clocks to change, which can lead to sleep problems and fatigue.
Here are some tips so that the winter months don't mess with your sleep cycle:
It is important to get plenty of exposure to natural light during the daytime. Get outside for a walk or sit near a window so that you can soak up as much sunlight as possible.
It is also important to stick to a regular sleep schedule, even if you are not feeling sleepy.
If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
12. Stock up on medication
The winter season can be a difficult time for seniors, as the cold weather can lead to a number of health problems. The cold weather can also aggravate chronic pain, so it can be quite challenging to be out and about like usual.
Prepare ahead of time and make sure you have enough medication to last you through the season. It's also ideal to get yourself a first-aid kit in case of emergencies.
How can Tunstall help seniors stay safe during the winter?
Tunstall Gem4
The winter months pose a lot of health and safety risks for the elderly. From slips and falls to common winter illnesses, the season can only get more challenging as you age, and it is even more difficult if you are living independently. One of the best ways to reduce these risks is to wear a personal alarm. A personal alarm like the Tunstall Gem4, which is a wearable pendant that can serve as a fall detector, can help you call for aid if you do fall and are injured, or if you find yourself in a medical emergency.
Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G
Tunstall's Home Care products like the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G allow individuals of all ages and capacities to live safely and independently in their own homes no matter the season. Tunstall also provides home alarm systems that are linked to a variety of environmental and activity sensors to create a smart home environment that can support a senior individual's well-being, whether they live by themself or with the help of a caregiver.
Learn more by getting in touch with our team today.
