Walking on Ice and Snow: Simple Ways to Stay Steady This Winter
Icy walkways are one of winter’s quieter hazards. A thin glaze on a step or driveway is easy to miss, and it only takes a moment to lose your footing. The good news is that a few simple habits make a real difference.
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in four people age 65 and older fall each year. Most falls are not caused by one big thing. They come from small risks adding up, and ice is one you can do a lot about.
Make Your Entry Safer Before You Step Out
The best way to avoid slipping on ice is to treat it before you walk on it. The National Institute on Aging suggests using an ice-melt product or sand on icy spots near doors and walkways. If clearing it yourself is a worry, ask a neighbor, a family member or a local service to help.
Keep a small container of ice melt or sand just inside the door so it is easy to reach. Use a scoop with a handle rather than bending down.
Choose Shoes With Good Grip
The right shoes matter more in winter than at any other time of year. The National Institute on Aging recommends nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. It lists backless shoes, high heels, and shoes or slippers with smooth soles as fall risks.
Wet boots and shoes can be slippery indoors, too. Wipe your soles on a mat when you come in, and don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks.
Before You Go Out: A Quick Checklist
- Look at the forecast, and think about staying in when the weather is bad. The National Institute on Aging notes that some services deliver groceries and prescriptions, and many take orders by phone.
- Wear shoes or boots with nonskid soles.
- Carry what you need in a shoulder bag, fanny pack or backpack so your hands are free for railings.
- If you use a cane or walker, make sure it fits you and is used correctly.
- Take your phone with you, charged, in a pocket you can reach.
- If you wear bifocal or progressive lenses, see the tip below.
A Tip for Glasses Wearers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that bifocal and progressive lenses can distort distance and depth. The CDC suggests considering a separate pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for walking outdoors. It also recommends having your eyes checked at least once a year. Ask your eye doctor what would work for you.
If You Do Fall
Try to stay calm. The National Institute on Aging suggests these steps.
- Breathe, and stay still on the ground for a few moments.
- Decide whether you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or the wrong way can make an injury worse.
- If you are hurt or can’t get up, call out for help or call 911. If you are alone, get as comfortable as you can and wait for help.
- If you think you can get up safely, roll onto your side and rest for a moment. Then get onto your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy chair.
- Put your hands on the seat, slide one foot forward so it is flat on the floor, and keep the other knee down. Rise slowly from that position and turn to sit.
Always tell your doctor about a fall, even if you felt no pain. The National Institute on Aging notes that a fall can point to a new health problem, a medicine side effect or an eyesight issue, and your doctor may suggest next steps such as physical therapy or a walking aid.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
The CDC reports that falls among adults 65 and older caused over 43,000 deaths in 2024, and that emergency departments recorded about 4.5 million visits for older adult falls that year. Those numbers are a reminder that prevention is worth a little planning.
Safety note: if the ground is icy and you don’t need to go out, waiting is always a fine choice. If you must go, take small, careful steps and use handrails whenever you can.
More on Seniors Tips
- Shoveling Snow Safely: Protect Your Heart and Back This Winter
- Staying Warm and Safe in Cold Weather: Hypothermia Basics
- A Room-by-Room Checklist to Help Prevent Falls at Home
