A Winter Prep List for Snowbirds Staying Home This Year

Natural balance changes as a result of aging, and that can make navigating winter sidewalks and ice challenging, she says. Slip-on cleats or ice crampons can ensure traction on slippery sidewalks, and a lightweight walking stick or trekking pole can provide extra stability.

Think about snow removal

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While you may already have a service that clears your sidewalk of snow, even during years that you head to a southern climate, if you're going to be home during the winter you may need to increase your level of service. Make a plan for what you need before it snows.

Experts say it's best not to take on the job of snow removal yourself. Many older adults mistakenly think they're up to the task, but shoveling heavy snow can trigger heart attacks or stroke.

"People think, ‘That's not going to happen to me. Even though I've been going south for the last five years, I still can shovel.’ But I don't care how active you are — it's an added stress,” Young says.

If you do plan to tackle the shoveling, make sure you have the proper equipment. Invest in a lightweight shovel with an ergonomic handle and wide blade so you can push the snow away. Experts say you should make sure to stay hydrated while shoveling and should use proper shoveling techniques to avoid backaches and muscle strains. Those with snowblowers may want to make sure they've been serviced and are in working order.

And don't forget to stock up on abrasives such as sand, salt, kitty litter or deicers for your balconies, driveways, stairs and walkways. Most deicing products contain chemicals to melt ice, but they can be harmful to pets or your lawn if you apply too much, so sprinkle them sparingly.

Many senior centers will deliver a bucket of sand or salt if you're stuck, Young says.

And don't forget that your heating and electric bills are likely to be higher than when you're away for months at a time.

Prepare your car for winter

In many parts of the country, snowy, icy roads mean there's a need for snow tires.

"In Massachusetts, we had an early warning,” Young says. “It snowed on Halloween, so lots of people have already put on their snow tires but, if not, now's the time to do that.”

If you live in an area where the temperature dips below 35 degrees, all-season tires are not the ideal choice, because the rubber firms up and is no longer flexible enough to grip the road. Snow tires are made from special compounds that stay soft at subfreezing temperatures, allowing the tires to grip the road. For heavy snow or ice, some drivers add chains to their tires. The laws permitting chains vary from state to state, so check the American Automobile Association's list to see if your state allows them.

Make sure your car maintenance is up to date, and that your vehicle is stocked with emergency supplies, such as a blanket, snacks, water, a shovel, a flashlight, gloves and a hat, a snow scraper brush and a battery-booster pack. The AAA's website offers lots of resources and safe winter driving tips.

Plan to stay in touch with other snowbirds

Those who regularly head south for the winter may miss the social circle they see annually.

Thankfully, technology such as video calls has made it easier to maintain friendships during the pandemic. Reach out to the people you would normally see during the winter months, whether that's by phone, email, video chat or letters.

Leah Silber of Brooklyn, New York, is in her early 80s and has decided to skip her annual trip south to her condo in Boca Raton, Florida. Silber usually flies down a couple of times a year, and says she'll really miss time spent at the pool with friends, shopping and evening entertainment at her gated community's clubhouse.

"The winters are getting to me. I'm young, but my bones are old,” she laughs. “But I'm not going because of the pandemic — I'm just not comfortable sitting on the plane with people, or sitting in an Uber."