American Geriatrics Society's Foundation For Health In Aging Offers Older Adults Life-Saving Tips On Staying Safe In The Cold, Ice And Snow

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 14 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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As the deadly winter storms that recently swept the Midwest attest, cold weather can be treacherous. Winter is a particularly dangerous time for older adults, who run increased risks of hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature), injuries due to falls in ice and snow, difficulty driving in inclement weather, and other seasonal dangers.

To help older people stay safe despite the cold, snow and ice, the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand tip sheet, "Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults."

The tip sheet explains what older adults and the people who care for them should know to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter. Among other things, it offers advice on preventing and treating hypothermia, frostbite, and falls and related injuries that occur while walking in and shoveling snow. The tip sheet also offers advice on safe winter driving, and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards associated with fires.

About The FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.

About The AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.

American Geriatrics Society