Winter poses outside dangers for the elderly

Published 5:00 pm Saturday, January 24, 2015

We haven’t had the snow this winter like the past couple of years, but it is still good to remember to be careful while walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck.

Do not underestimate the dangers of snow and ice.

Falling is bad news for senior citizens. It is the most frequent cause of injury in older adults in the U.S. and leads to substantial disability and mortality. The really bad news is that despite increased cautions to seniors about these dangers, the number of people 65 and older that are falling is increasing.

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Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car.

If forced to use the steps at someone’s home, apartment, or other public building, walk slow and take shorter steps when descending. The same is true of driveways and other hilly terrain; these areas can be very dangerous when they become slippery with ice or snow. Steps especially can be hard to clear and build up ice easily. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from parking lots and sidewalks, pedestrians will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter.

Be careful when you get out.

We look forward to seeing you at our many programs at the Senior Center.

Don’t forget our coffee shop where every day you can have homemade soup for $1 and a sandwich for 50 cents. Tuesday we are serving tator tot hotdish for only $2.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood Pressure Checks, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge),12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie’s Friends, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends, 9 a.m.;

Grief Support with Mary Kittleson, 10:30 a.m.;

tator tot hotdish, 11:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Cedars Winter Health event, 1 to 3 p.m.; HIIT, 5:10 p.m.; Zumba 5:45 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers 8:30 a.m.; Weight Watchers, 12:15 p.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage)12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees 1 p.m., open chess, 1 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends, 9 a.m.; Cards, (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; HIIT, 5:10 p.m.

Friday: Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage) 12:30 p.m.; Ping Pong, 3 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

No Results

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Jan. 13, four tables

1st Jim Fisher, 1st Dave Ring; 2nd Ray Schmidt, 2nd Gail Schmidt; 3rd Bud Higgins, 3rd Arnie Lang; 4th Rick Stroup, 4th Edna Knobe

Tuesday 500

No Results

Pinochle

No Results

Friday Bridge

Jan. 16, two tables

1st Mary Johnsen, 2nd Lois Johnson, 3rd Jaynard Johnson, 4th Loretta Nelson, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Wednesday Cribbage

1 and 1/4 tables

1st Barb Dickman, 2nd Mercedes Nordstrom

Friday 500

Jan. 13, three tables

1st Eloise Williamette, 2nd Lois Anderson, 3rd Hilton Henschen, 4th Dennis Bray

Friday 500

No Results