Before the wave of cold, special precautions for people older than 75 years

La SEGG advises care for the elderly during the winter

-cold affects in particular the elderly, ageing alters the mechanisms of thermoregulation.

– winter favors the health problems of older people is worsening or that, even appear new pathologies.

-the Spanish society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG) made a series of recommendations addressed to the collective of the elderly in the face this winter.

Madrid, February 2012. The arrival of the cold wave can cause various health problems in the population in general and especially the Group of older persons.

For this reason, the Spanish society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG) wants to launch the next series of recommendations aimed at this age group is more susceptible to problems due to the decrease in thermal. According to the SEGG, the reason for these tips focuses on cold weather affects more older people because with aging alter the mechanisms of thermoregulation. fundamentally, generate less heat and are more easily to lose it as a vasoconstriction occurs in response to cold temperatures.

The entire population should be adequately protected from the cold, but must be done especially after age 75, and at ages below if there are health problems that limit mobility.

And is that, at this age, the cold worsens substantially all problems related to the circulatory system (angina pectoris, circulation in legs, ictus …) and with the respiratory system by the increase in respiratory infections.

In addition, cold encourages platelets to be added and that blood can circulate thicker ”, which in turn favors the onset of heart attack or stroke.

But one of the most serious problems that cause low temperatures and may lead to death is hypothermia. Hypothermia should be suspected in any older person who has cold skin and that is slower than both physically and mentally.

In addition, the SEGG reports that older people who are at greater risk of hypothermia are those living alone or those who have any of the following diseases: Parkinson’s, stroke, dementia, some other problem of mobility, malnutrition, alcoholism, patients early with sedatives …

mild hypothermia starts with confusion and mental slowness, fatigue and may be accompanied by chills (used to generate heat). If the low temperature much causes a decrease in consciousness.

Recommendations of the SEGG to avoid the problems of cold

For the SEGG older people should take into account the following recommendations to protect themselves from the cold:

– winter be a diet that promotes the production of heat energy. Throughout the year, but increasing the intake of carbohydrates (rice, pasta, legumes) without forgetting the food with high protein content (meats and oily fish). It should not be forgotten in an adequate intake of fluids (water, teas, juices). and alcohol consumption should be avoided!

-the temperature in the home should not be never lower than 21ºc. The method of heating has no risk of burns or produce carbon monoxide. Therefore, older persons must always avoid the braziers and stoves that use butane. Electric heating or radiators is more advisable.

-clothes for the winter should be comfortable for the greater. It is preferable to put several layers of clothing that only one or two. It is very important to protect areas of the body where large amount of heat is lost (the head one can lose up to 25 percent of body heat) or who routinely are low primarily as hands and feet. When you go out to the street must be CAP, which preferably cover their ears and gloves. Shoes should not be Strait.

-the elderly must maintain the exercise in winter, not only because it promotes well-being in general, but because heat is generated this way. However, it should be prudent and the days of rain, snow and wind where there is high risk of falls is more convenient to perform physical activity at home. If you go by car should not forget to put the heating.

-relatives of older people should follow the recommendations with regard to cold call and visit these families often.