Keeping Warm - Helpful Gadgets for Seniors in the Winter

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1: Preventing Falls
Part 3: Traveling
Part 4: Beating the Winter Blues

Introduction

As more than half of all hypothermia-related deaths in the USE were comprised of people over the age of 65, special care must be taken for the elderly in colder regions. Seniors are especially at risk due to their greater chances of having impaired mobility, trouble properly communicating, a lower percentage of subcutaneous fat, as well as a slower metabolism and a diminished ability to sense temperature.
 
Here are a couple of suggestions regarding safe & relatively inexpensive items that can help keep the chill away from seniors and younger people alike.

Gadgets

Hand Warming Arthritis Gloves & Therapy Mittens

• Combine functions with these gloves or mittens that come in either massager or compression style. They are helpful for dealing with arthritis and joint pain while providing an additional heating component due to naturally conducting the body's heat, through electrical impulses, or by battery
• Veturo Infrared Arthritis Gloves | Thermoskin Arthritis Gloves | Therapeutic Pulse Massager Gloves | Battery Heated All Purpose Gloves | Heat Therapy Mittens

Other Hand Warmers

• Here are a variety other gadgets that can keep fingers toasty warm during those cold spells while also serving as mobile rechargers for phones, cameras, and other digital USB devices.
• EnergyFlux Ellipse | Sunjack Heatbank | Heatpacks Rechargeable Hand & Pocket Warmers | Komfort Solutions Kozy Xcel | Sharper Image Handwarmer
  

Foot Warmers

• Here is a selection of foot warmers in various styles that are good for use on the go or for when resting at home. The focus here is on mostly battery operated, rechargeable, and microwaveable designs that will help avoid the tripping hazards of electrical cords.
• HotHands Insole Foot Warmers | NatraCure Plantar Fasciitis Hot/Cold Therapy Socks | ThermaCell Rechargeable Heated Insoles | Cozy Ergonomic Foot Warmers | The Warming Store Heated Socks & Footwear
  

Warmest Blankets

• Considering that there are some safety concerns regarding electric blankets (with the electric fields they produce when turned on and with their cords being potential tripping hazards or fire hazards if they're worn through) and the high cost of constant battery replacements for their battery operated counterparts, it's generally recommended that more natural blankets be used when it comes to the elderly.
• The warmest varieties available are European down comforters with fill powers rated in the 700s followed by 100% merino or alpaca wool comforters (which besides being the warmest rates, tends not to be as scratchy as other wool blends) Of the synthetics available, 200 polar fleece blankets are recommended.

Wheelchair Poncho

• These particular capes, ponchos, and coats have been specifically designed for use with wheelchairs and come in a variety of colors & fabrics. They would be particularly helpful during precipitation, whether it's rain or snow.
• Amazon.com | Google Shopping