While winter is a beautiful and festive time of year, it doesn’t come without its share of seasonal safety risks, especially for seniors. Many older adults feel inclined to maintain their independence by shovelling their driveways, but most recommend not shovelling your snow after a certain age. This doesn’t mean your driveway has to remain snow covered, but it’s important to get help to avoid exposing yourself to safety risks.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why seniors should avoid shovelling snow and how to make sure your driveway is clear without shovelling it yourself.
Safety Risks with Snow Shovelling
Shovelling snow can be a physically demanding task, and for seniors, it poses unique risks. The act of moving heavy snow can be strenuous on your body and leave you vulnerable to slipping and falling. Common safety risks include:
- Heart Attacks: According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2017, heavy snowfall conditions can increase the likelihood of heart attacks. Heart attacks after shovelling snow have been particularly prevalent among older men. The physical exertion required to shovel snow places a strain on the heart, especially for those with underlying health conditions.
- Falls and Injuries: Ice accumulation and slippery surfaces make shovelling particularly dangerous. Seniors are already at an elevated risk for falls due to decreased balance and mobility, and they’re even more vulnerable when there’s heavy snow and ice. Falls are also significantly more serious as you age and your body becomes weaker.
- Muscle Strain: shovelling requires the use of various muscle groups, often leading to strains or injuries, particularly for seniors living a sedentary lifestyle.
- Dehydration and Fatigue: Dehydration is a common risk when exerting oneself outdoors during winter. Cold temperatures can mask fatigue, causing seniors to push themselves too hard without realizing it.
5 Reasons Seniors Shouldn’t Shovel Their Driveway During Winter
- Health Risks Outweigh the Benefit: While many seniors take pride in maintaining their homes, the potential health risks associated with shovelling can far outweigh it. Even just one fall could mean weeks of time lost to recover, and that’s in the best case scenario.
- Lack of Physical Conditioning: Many seniors don’t have the physical health required for such demanding work. As you age, your physical capabilities change, especially tasks that involve heavy lifting. Even if you feel healthy, the sudden exertion from shovelling can lead to significant cardiovascular stress.
- Increased Risk of Fall Injuries: Icy patches can be hard to notice and expose you to serious danger. Many older adults experience falls in the winter, which can lead to significant injuries like fractures or sprains, with recovery taking longer at this age.
- Strain on Muscles and Joints: Regular physical activity is important for older adults, but snow shovelling is not the best kind. It puts strain on the back, knees, and other joints, potentially leading to chronic pain or injuries. If you’re seeking regular physical activity, less intense workouts are the best choice for aging adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should you stop shovelling your driveway?
While there’s no specific age at which someone should stop shovelling snow, many seniors may find it beneficial to stop once they notice signs of fatigue, reduced mobility, or increased challenges in maintaining balance. If shovelling snow starts to feel like a struggle, it might be time to consider other options.
Additionally, if you’ve been seriously injured while shovelling snow before, that’s a clear sign that stopping might be the best option for keeping yourself safe.
Why do I feel sick after shovelling snow?
Feeling ill after shoveling often means you’ve been overexerting yourself. This overexertion causes serious physical strain. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and in some cases, chest pain, which warrant immediate medical attention.
Why Your Driveway Still Needs to be Clear
Even if you do feel unsafe shovelling, it’s important to ensure your driveway is still clear.
Leaving the snow to accumulate will make it difficult to traverse your outdoor spaces, making you and your family once again vulnerable to slips and falls. If you ever need to leave the house, the driveway will need to be clear for your car to get through.
Regular driveway maintenance is essential during winter, but there’s other ways you can maintain it other than putting yourself at risk.
What You Can Do Instead of Snow Shovelling
Ask Another Family Member
Asking a younger family member in the same household or nearby is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure your driveway is clear, accessible, and safe. If your family is open to lending a hand, it can be less expensive than working with a professional.
But be mindful that your family aren’t professionals, so their work may be inconsistent and unreliable, especially on heavy snow days. They may miss certain patches of ice without realizing, or skip crucial shovelling steps on more difficult days.
Additionally, while they may be younger, that doesn’t make them immune to slips, falls, or overexertion. Ask them if they know the right methods for shovelling snow safely.
Trust the Snow Plow Professionals
By choosing experts in snow plowing, you can enjoy a snow-free driveway without needing to worry about shovelling.
Snow removal companies understand the best practices for clearing snow safely and efficiently, ensuring your driveway remains accessible throughout the season. Our service comes with comprehensive plowing, de-icing, salting, and preventative treatments at an affordable price for seniors who need the help.
At C&T Landscaping, we are committed to providing reliable and effective snow removal services in Kitchener for our community. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Don’t let winter weather be a burden—reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you enjoy a safe, snow-free environment throughout the winter months!