Elderly Susceptible to Range of Problems During Cold Snap

The midstate’s current cold snap makes it even more important than usual to visit elderly friends and family members in person.

Seniors on a fixed income may be hesitant to run the heat, or they may just not realize they need it. Maribeth Farringer directs the Council on Aging of Greater Nashville. She says the elderly may not be able to accurately sense the difference between chilly and dangerously cold, because nerves can lose their sensitivity to cold as we age. That also makes it harder for seniors to tell when their heat isn’t working like it should. Farringer says helpful neighbors or adult children who usually check in with a phone call may need to do more during cold weather.

“If they say ‘I’m fine,’ maybe go over to the house and see if they really are fine, just to be a little more attentive to seniors.”

Farringer says it’s also time to ask about the contents of the pantry and medicine cabinet. She points out that even without snow and ice, seniors who have trouble getting around may have postponed regular errands due to the weather. She says that’s something people often forget, even though it’s common sense.

“You know, I had to come to work today so I needed to get out in this weather and it might make me more likely to go and go to the grocery or go to the pharmacy and pick up a prescription, but if I didn’t have to get out to go to work, I might say ‘ooh, it’s just too cold to get out.’”

In general, Farringer says it’s a good idea to check in with the elderly more often during cold weather.