Advice for Older people: Staying Well throughout winter and Christmas season

Older People's friendly tips for staying safe, preventing falls, and keeping well throughout the Winter and Christmas season.

Always turn on lights before moving around your home during the evening and night. Low energy light bulbs are good for saving energy and money.
Ensure you have adequate outdoor lighting. Sensor lights are good especially when returning home on a dark evening.

Tape down loose rugs or remove them entirely.
Keep passageways clear of gifts, decorations, extension cords, and clutter.
After hosting visitors, double-check that furniture hasn't been moved into walking areas.

Attending podiatry appointments is important to ensure good foot health, prevent/avoid pain or unwanted issues which could alter your walking pattern and lead to a fall.
Wear a pair of comfortable non-slip shoes even indoors (avoid slippers that are loose or floppy). Laced or Velcro shoes are recommended as people's feet can swell during the day and these types of shoe can be loosened.
Make sure outdoor shoes have good tread.

Put glasses on before getting up from bed during the night after turning your bedside light on.
It's important to attend your optometrist appointments for sight and eye health.

Christmas lights often bring extra wires—tape them against walls or use cable clips/covers to prevent tripping.

Holiday cooking, hosting, or shopping can be tiring.
Take breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid rushing (many falls happen when people hurry).

Don't lift heavy packages alone.
Wrap presents somewhere you can sit comfortably and avoid bending for long periods.

Wear layers, including hats and gloves.
Keep rooms at a safe temperature (around 21°C).
A warm body maintains better balance, reduces stiffness and prevents falls.
Replace electric blankets at least every 10 years. Unplug when not in use. Be vigilant of any signs of wear and tear and always store flat or loosely roll when not in use.
Do not use boiling water in hot water bottles and don't overfill. Remember hot water bottles have a sale by date and should be replaced every 2 years.
Place portable heaters where they cannot cause a trip or fall and never plug it into an extension lead.

Read more on our Stay Warm, Stay Safe page: Stay Warm Stay Safe

Icy conditions and poor visibility make falls more likely in the early morning or evenings.

Some medicines can cause dizziness or drowsiness—important to check with a GP or pharmacist.
Have your medications reviewed by your Doctor or Pharmacist regularly.

Ensure walking sticks, frames, or grab rails are in good condition and fitted correctly. Remember to replace the rubber tips (Ferrules) if they are worn down as this can cause a slip.
Don't be shy about using them indoors if winter makes joints stiffer.

Do your best to avoid alcohol.
Alcohol can increase your risk of falling over and causing injury.
It can cause loss of co-ordination and memory
Alcohol can interact with certain medication to cause unwanted side effects, and can stop some medications working effectively.

Let family or neighbours know if you're going out in bad weather.
Set up a check-in system during cold or icy spells - Good Morning Call Schemes can provide a free service.

Keep a charged mobile phone nearby and charged up.
Have a torch, warm blankets, and extra batteries available in case of winter power cuts.