Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

It seems like we just dug out of the snow and ice from Winter Storm Grayson, only to see snow flurries today in the Williamsburg, Virginia area. Checking the weather forecast, I see we are also in for some below freezing conditions again this week. I might actually spring for a heater for the bird bath this time! But more than the birds, I have been thinking about older adults during these cold snaps. My own front steps (all two of them!) spent the better part of last week coated in ice. I did sprinkle salt on them ... but I also thought about how difficult they would be to navigate if I had problems with balance, mobility, or vision. Anyway, one of my editors kindly asked me to write up some helpful tips for older adults and their caregivers. I got a lot of practical advice, ranging from using a digital roasting thermometer to make sure that water you're using to warm your cold fingers is the right temperature, to putting spikes on your shoes and canes. (And a shout out to physical therapists - they are often some of the most practical and down to earth people I interview!) Here's the final piece: https://www.caring.com/articles/winter-safety-tips-for-seniors