Preventing Falls During Colder Months: Simple Safety Tips for Older Adults

As winter settles in, colder temperatures, icy walkways, and slippery surfaces make fall prevention more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments each year for fall-related injuries, and over 1 million are hospitalized. These numbers rise significantly during winter months when hazards increase both indoors and outdoors.

Felicia Cruz, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, RN-BC, a geriatric clinical nurse specialist at Bayhealth, stresses that preparation is key. “There are simple steps we can all take to improve safety in and around our homes,” she says. “Planning ahead makes a big difference in preventing falls.”

1. Maintain a Clear Line of Sight

Good vision is one of the most important aspects of fall prevention. During colder months, glasses often fog up due to temperature changes—especially when wearing masks.

“It’s important to clean glasses whenever they fog to maintain a clear line of sight,” Cruz explains. “Snugly securing the nose area of your mask can reduce air leaks and help prevent fogging.”

Other tips include:

• Ensuring good indoor lighting

• Using nightlights in hallways and bathrooms

• Replacing dim or flickering bulbs

2. Keep Up With Doctor Visits

Regular medical care helps older adults stay safe and aware of changes in their vision, hearing, and medications—all factors that significantly impact balance and fall risk.

“Maintaining schedules for doctor appointments is essential,” Cruz says. With the rise of telehealth, many routine visits—such as medication reviews—can now be safely handled virtually during bad weather.

Key check-ins include:

• Vision screenings

• Hearing tests

• Medication reviews to identify side effects like dizziness

3. Practice Ground and Walkway Safety

Icy sidewalks, slick parking lots, and frozen steps can increase fall risk dramatically.

Cruz advises older adults and caregivers to be extra cautious: “People often don’t realize they’ve parked on an icy patch until they slip getting out of their vehicle.”

To stay safe:

• Walk slowly and test surfaces before stepping

• Use handrails whenever available

• Sprinkle salt or sand on icy sidewalks and steps

• Wear proper winter footwear with rubber soles for traction

Indoor safety matters too. Shoes with good grip should be worn inside when floors may be slippery, and clutter should be removed from walkways—especially if grandparents are helping with childcare and toys are around.

4. Avoid Distracted Walking

While it may sound simple, multitasking is a major cause of accidental falls.

“You should always have both of your arms available when walking to maintain balance,” says Cruz. This means:

• Don’t look down at your phone while walking

• Avoid carrying heavy or bulky items

• Use a bag or backpack instead of carrying items in your arms

Staying fully focused on where you’re stepping can prevent unexpected slips and trips.

5. Explore Virtual Resources for Staying Active

Staying active helps maintain strength, balance, and coordination—all important for fall prevention. But winter weather can make outdoor activities difficult.

“When getting outside isn’t possible, virtual resources are a great alternative,” Cruz notes. The National Institute on Aging provides online exercise videos, balance training programs, and safety tips that older adults can use from home.

Benefits of staying active include:

• Improved muscle strength

• Enhanced balance and coordination

• Better mobility and confidence

Even 10–15 minutes of movement a day can make a meaningful difference.

The Bottom Line

Preventing falls during the colder months starts with preparation and awareness. By maintaining clear vision, staying current on health screenings, being mindful of icy surfaces, reducing distractions, and using available resources to stay active, older adults can remain safe, confident, and independent all winter long.