5 Tips for Safely Enjoying Winter Sports

Winter sports are great outdoor activities for seniors to participate in during the season. Skiing, sledding, skating, and snowboarding are popular winter sports that families can engage in. However, it is crucial to exercise safety because these winter sports come with safety risks due to slippery surfaces, bulky equipment, and frigid environments.

Here are some essential safety tips for seniors to remember while enjoying winter activities and sports.

Keep Warm

Winter temperatures are often below freezing, bringing the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration. It is recommended to dress in layers—an inner layer of moisture-wicking material such as polyester or lightweight wool to absorb sweat from the skin, a middle layer of polyester fleece, thicker wool, or microfiber insulation to keep the heat in. The outer layer repels snow, wind, and rain. Finish off the winter wardrobe with a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, socks, and waterproof boots or shoes. Remember to adjust the layers accordingly if it gets warmer.

Wear Equipment Correctly

Seniors should wear protective gear like wristbands, helmets, goggles, and elbow and knee pads for the activities. It is also essential to know how to wear the gear correctly. Ensure the equipment is appropriate for the sport, fits well, and is in good condition. Loose-fitting gear creates instability that strains the muscles and bones, increasing the risk of injury.

Fall Safety

Learning how to fall on slippery, hard surfaces is essential for injury prevention. Bracing a fall using the arms or wrists can lead to fractured bones or severe injuries. Instead, fall with the knees, shoulders, or butt when snowboarding, or use the body's side when skiing to ensure the body safely absorbs the impact.

Seniors must always be aware of their surroundings to prevent collisions with other people. Ice skates have sharp blades, which can cause severe injuries to the hands or limbs if someone skates over them. When a person falls during an activity like snow tubing or skiing, they should move away from the slope and make sure no one uphill is coming towards them.

Team Building Exercises

Seniors can also schedule personalized snowboarding and skiing activities for skill development and team-building. Group exercise, interaction, and conversation allow the sharing of techniques and bring together like-minded individuals. Participating in winter sports as a group also increases safety, since injured people become tended to much faster. Instructors also help people hone their skills and strengthen their abilities. They help seniors establish greater confidence when engaging in winter sports like skiing, which require good practice.

Be Prepared

Ensure seniors have a comprehensive emergency plan to cover any emergency. Winter sports often result in strenuous exercise, leading seniors to push themselves beyond their physical limits. The emergency plan will provide clear guidelines for addressing medical, security, and environmental emergencies. It may be a lifesaver in case a senior gets a sporting crisis.

Get Help from Senior Helpers Seattle

Beginning a sport is usually straightforward; however, following and respecting the rules is essential. There are many winter sports throughout Seattle for seniors to engage in and practice sports. Seniors should also be physically fit before engaging in sports to lower the chances of injury. When a senior is injured, they should be attended to promptly to ensure a fast recovery.

Seniors requiring professional care should find caregivers equipped to handle their daily needs. Senior Helpers Seattle offers a wide range of in-home senior care services throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Kent, Renton, and Sammamish areas. For more information about our services, contact us today.