You put on a sweater, and ten minutes later your hands and feet are still cold. If that sounds familiar, this guide to warm clothing for the elderly is for you.
We go from head to toe: hats, footwear, gloves, underwear, scarves, ear muffs, arm and leg protectors, and face masks. Some of it is simple and some uses newer heated gear.
Bodies can lose heat faster for many different reasons, so the right clothing helps you keep warm.
6 Ideas for Warm Clothing for Elderly People
1. Hats
A hat helps because your head and face are often uncovered in the cold. Wearing a head covering during winter is, therefore, a smart way to stay warm. Although hats for older men and women are traditional, beanies are an excellent solution to keep the head warmer.
This is because the beanie protects the entire head, not just the top but covering the ears.
Knitted woolen beanies are ideal because wool is especially good at retaining heat. A lining inside the beanie provides an additional layer of protection against the cold and wind.
However, new tech means even better solutions for keeping the head warmer: heated beanies.
Check out these heated headwear solutions:
2. Footwear
The feet tend to get cold quickly in winter and are difficult to warm up, even with a pair of fuzzy warm socks. This can be worse for some older adults, because the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the feet.
Microwaveable slippers for seniors can feel soothing, but they can get hot enough to burn. If you have diabetes or numb feet, check with your doctor first, and test the heat with your hand before putting them on. Heat times vary by brand.
Thermal insoles for shoes provide an additional layer of insulation, keeping cold out of your shoes and heat in. They also add comfort for standing and walking, and they are thin enough that they usually should not change your shoe size.
Some tech solutions that are also available (in the form of socks and boots that provide thermal heat constantly and are, of course, rechargeable) to keep elderly feet warm both in and out of doors include:
3. Hands
Hands get cold mainly because they are the most exposed part of the body. We constantly use our hands, so they are often not covered. Cold hands can get colder faster and be more difficult to warm up. Insulated gloves are a must when you are outdoors but can also help stave off the cold indoors.
There is a range of different ways in which modern gloves offer insulation as well as thermal heat. Some are lined and made from materials that assist in generating heat. Others reflect the heat generated by the body to create thermal energy and, therefore, heat. The latest technology offers gloves that are heated electronically. Hand warmers are also ideal for warming hands that are already cold. If you want to see one in action, I made a video showing you how rechargeable heated gloves for seniors work, including the touchscreen fingertips.
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4. Underwear
Thermal underwear is ideal for insulating, retaining, and generating heat because it is close to the skin. You also have a wide range of products to choose from. So, finding a product that meets your needs and style is easy.
Thicker products are highly recommended for the elderly. However, it is also advisable to consider the fabric or material these products are made of.
Skin can become more sensitive and prone to sores, tears, and abrasions, as well as conditions such as contact dermatitis, which results in itchy, dry patches of skin or a raised red rash.
5. Scarf
No matter how warmly you dress, a draft on your neck and down the collar of your clothing will ruin your efforts. Scarves keep your neck warm and covered. Thermal scarves are also available that generate heat for extra insulation.
The best scarf is primarily up to personal preference, considering comfort, fabric, and skin sensitivity. Soft fabrics are kinder to the neck if your skin is sensitive.
Check out these helpful ways to wear or tie a scarf in different ways that are fashionable and keep the neck warm.
6. Ear Muffs
Even if you are wearing a beanie, there is nothing quite like a pair of earmuffs to keep ears warm and toasty in the coldest weather. While the ears don’t account for a large share of body heat loss, they are sensitive to the cold. Cold ears can get chapped and sore.
If you have hearing loss, use ear muffs with caution, since they may block some sounds you need to hear. Check with your doctor or audiologist if you are unsure.
A great warm gift idea for seniors is earmuffs that double as headphones. While your ears stay warm, you can listen to your favorite music, radio station, or audiobooks.
7. Arm And Leg Protectors
Arm and leg protectors help prevent tears and abrasions on fragile skin. These garments are loose-fitting, comfortable, and designed with sensitive skin in mind. They may not focus on warmth, but they add an extra layer of insulation.
A wide range of protective coverings, colors, and fabrics is available, considering each individual’s needs. However, the coverings are most commonly worn under clothing rather than over.
8. Face Masks
Every time we exhale, we lose a small amount of heat from our bodies. This is evident in the steam that comes from our mouths on really cold days.
A face mask keeps that heat from escaping and helps keep the face and body warmer.
Wrapping Up
Layering garments is another good way to stay warm during winter. Always keep an extra sweater or jacket handy. You can always remove layers if you start getting too hot.
Warm clothing does not have to be unattractive. Trendy choices are available that will keep you warm too.
Comfort and skin sensitivity matter as well when choosing a winter wardrobe, along with clothing designed with warmth in mind.
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