Winter Safety for Over 60s: Staying Steady on Ice and Snow

Winter Walking: Your Confidence Guide

Ice lollies are fun – falling on ice is not! When winter arrives with its ice and snow, things get a bit trickier underfoot. But here's the good news: with some smart preparation and a few simple techniques, you can stay safe and keep doing the things you enjoy throughout the colder months.

Why Winter Needs a Different Approach

Let's be honest – ice is tricky!. Black ice especially can catch anyone off guard, appearing without warning in shaded spots, on bridges, and during those chilly early mornings or evenings. And yes, as we've gained a bit more life experience, falls carry more risk than they used to.

But staying cooped up indoors all winter? That's not the answer either. We need fresh air, social connections, and movement to stay healthy and happy. The real solution is learning how to handle winter conditions confidently and knowing when it's simply wiser to postpone that trip to the shops.

Three Essential Winter Safety Strategies

Winter walking doesn't have to be scary – it just requires a slightly different approach. Think of these as your winter superpowers!

1. Master Your Winter Walking Technique

When you're walking on potentially icy surfaces, slow everything down and change how you move.

The safe approach:

• Take short, careful steps instead of your normal stride

• Keep your weight centered and lean slightly forward

• Avoid putting your hands in your pockets – keep them free for balance

• Walk deliberately and stay focused on the surface ahead

Why it works: Shorter steps and better weight distribution give you more control and a better chance of catching yourself if you start to slip. You'll move more slowly, but you'll get there safely – and that's what counts!

2. The Three-Second Assessment

Before stepping onto any surface that looks even slightly suspicious, pause for three seconds and have a good look.

What to watch for:

• Shiny or wet-looking patches on the pavement

• Areas where snow has melted and refrozen

• Shaded areas that haven't seen sunshine

The golden rule: When in doubt, assume it's slippery. Take your time, grab any available railings, and if a path looks particularly dodgy, there's absolutely no shame in turning around and finding another route.

3. Smart Timing and Route Planning

Sometimes the best safety tool is simply checking your weather app before heading out.

Plan it right:

• Check the forecast and temperature before making plans

• Skip going out during or right after freezing rain

• Give ice melt a few hours to work after paths have been cleared

• Feel free to postpone non-essential trips when conditions look rough

Route smarts: Stick to main roads and well-maintained sidewalks that get regular attention from clearing crews. The sunny side of the street clears faster and stays safer!

Making Your Home's Exterior Winter-Safe

You know where lots of winter slips happen? Right outside our own front doors! The good news is this is one area where you have complete control.

Your Winter Home Routine

Before winter arrives:

• Test all outdoor railings to make sure they're solid

• Mark steps with bright tape so they're visible under snow

• Set up outdoor lights with motion sensors near doorways

• Keep ice melt and a shovel near your most-used door

Each morning during winter:

• Check outside before stepping out

• Sprinkle ice melt on steps and walkways preventively

• After freezing rain overnight, assume everything's icy

• Keep sand or kitty litter handy for extra traction

Finding the Right Winter Footwear

Your shoes are your first line of defense against winter falls.

Look for these features:

• Deep treads with good grip (check them regularly – worn treads are dangerous)

• Flat or low heels for stability

• Non-slip rubber soles

• Good ankle support

Ice grips: These clever attachments clip onto your regular shoes and have metal coils or spikes that grip the ice. They typically cost $15-30 and can make a huge difference. Keep a pair in your car or by your door for days when conditions are iffy.

One quick heads-up: Remove them before walking indoors – they can be slippery on smooth floors.

Your Winter Prep Action Plan

Let's get you sorted this week with three practical steps:

1. Check your winter shoes. Quick test: if you can place a penny in your shoe tread and the head disappears, your tread is good. If you can see the whole head, it's time for new footwear. Order ice grips if you haven't got them yet.

2. Walk around your property and spot potential hazards. Add extra lighting if needed.

3. Stock up on ice melt.

Remember: we're not aiming for hibernation. We're aiming for staying active and independent while being sensible about it.

Staying Safe and Smart

Winter does require a bit more caution, and that's perfectly okay. There's nothing wrong with asking for help, postponing an outing, or taking your time. Trust your instincts – if something feels unsafe, whether it's an icy patch or generally rough conditions, listen to that feeling.

If you haven't been very active lately or you're worried about your balance, have a chat with your doctor before winter arrives. They can assess your needs and might suggest balance training. If medications affect your balance, discuss whether adjustments might help during winter.

Building Your Foundation for Next Winter

Want to feel even more confident navigating winter? Building strength and balance now means you'll tackle next winter with greater ease. Strong legs, steady balance, and quick reflexes all help reduce fall risk – even when it's icy.

My book offers a complete 12-week strength and balance program created specifically for people in their 60s and beyond, with clear illustrations and options for different fitness levels.

https://books2read.com/u/4EXaaO

For more free resources, including free balance exercises to try, visit my website.

https://steadyandstrongbook.com