SHOVEL SNOW FOR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS

How to Make a Difference in a Few Hours!!

Snow shoveling can be hazardous to the health of senior citizens.

The average weight of snow on a shovel is 16 pounds. For a typical path, sidewalk, and driveway, multiply 16 pounds by 50 or 100 shovels full. It's quite startling to calculate the amount of weight lifting involved in "routine" snow shoveling.

For an elderly neighbor, injury can result from the lifting and twisting involved in shoveling snow. Worse, heart attacks can occur from over exertion, especially for an elderly person.
Extra strain is added on the body from cold air, which makes it more difficult to breathe and move. Icy conditions also promote the chance of falling and injury to an elderly neighbor who may not walk as stably as you.

Despite these considerable dangers, an elderly neighbor might risk shoveling snow due to fear of entrapment, worried that they could not get out of their home, or that someone could not get to them. Financial constraints may discourage an elderly person on a fixed income from calling someone to plow and shovel snow for them, or from purchasing a snow blower.

If you shovel snow for elderly neighbors, they are likely to be very thankful for your kindness. If they are not home, you may consider leaving a note. While this is a wonderful random act of kindness, you may also be saving a life. You might even be offered a tasty cup of hot chocolate from a grateful neighbor.

Make sure that you are in good physical condition for snow shoveling. You may be at increased risk of heart attack while shoveling snow if you have a history of smoking, heart trouble, other health problems, or just a sedentary lifestyle. Be careful not to over exert yourself, by resting for a few minutes every now and then.

Next, consider who is elderly in your neighborhood. If you don't know, ask a neighbor. That conversation might inspire your neighbor to join you.

Shoveling walks and driveways is a great opportunity to help the elderly, as well as get to know them better. Rarely would anyone refuse your offer to shovel snow for them, but if there is a concern, simply introduce yourself and explain that you're a neighbor who wants to help. Or, seek an introduction from a mutual friend.

A Tip to Help You Help Them: By applying liquid floor wax on the shovel, friction is greatly reduced. Snow doesn't stick to the shovel, making the work lighter.