We had the first snowfall of the year in New England this week. It was just a few inches of powdery fluff, but forecasts are predicting that it will be a cold and snowy winter in many areas of the country. If you haven't already stocked up on ice melt, warm gloves, and snow shovels, now is the time to do so!
I think it's safe to say no one really enjoys shoveling snow, but it can be an especially challenging task for older adults. Thousands of people get hurt shoveling snow each year, and the combination of cold weather and vigorous activity can be dangerous for seniors, according to the American Heart Association. Shoveling can lead to falls, pulled muscles, and strains, as well as more serious conditions like hypothermia, angina pectoris, or even a heart attack.
To minimize your risk of injury while shoveling, it's essential to have the right equipment before heading out to clean your sidewalks. That means grippy, well-fitting boots, warm gloves, and the right snow shovel. There are hundreds of shovel options out there today, so to help you find the best option, we spoke with several experts, including a board-certified interventional spine and sports medicine physician, an experienced chiropractor, and even a landscaping professional. They offered tips on find the best shovel for seniors, including several product recommendations that will work well for all ages.
Blade length: 18 inches | Weight: 3.7 pounds | Blade material: Polycarbonate | Handle material: Aluminum
If you're looking for a traditional shovel, experts recommend an ergonomic product with a dual-handle design. "For seniors, my shovel recommendation would preferably have a flick feature," says Dr. Vivek Babaria, board-certified and fellowship-trained interventional spine and sports medicine physician.
This particular model from Snow Joe has a secondary spring-assisted handle in front that acts as a fulcrum, enhancing the mechanics of shoveling while reducing stress on your back and arms. The whole shovel is lightweight, weighing less than 4 pounds, and it has a smaller blade that ensures you're not trying to pick up more than you can safely toss.
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Blade length: 36 inches | Weight: 25.5 pounds | Blade material: Galvanized steel | Handle material: Metal
If you have a large area to shovel — such as a long sidewalk or your driveway — a traditional shovel may not be the most efficient option. Instead, experts recommend looking for a snow pusher: "The shovels now that can push/glide instead of having to physically lift are preferred," says Dr. Babaria.
This heavy-duty snow pusher is a top choice for clearing large areas. It features a wide 36-inch blade that can be angled in either direction and is mounted on large pneumatic tires that facilitate smooth pushing. Additionally, you can adjust the height and angle of the handle, so you can a position that's comfortable for your physique.
Clearing width: 16 inches | Max snow depth: 8 inches | Throwing distance: 32 feet | Weight: 19 pounds
If you're willing to spend a little more, you may want to consider an electric snow shovel: "These are similar in size and style to regular shovels, yet they function more like snow throwers," says Steve Corcoran, CEO of landscaping company Lawn Love. "You push them still, but they send snow outward. So, they are a lot less physically demanding, since you aren’t actually manually shoveling in the same way."
This model from Earthwise is able to handle snow up to 8 inches deep, and it's mounted on wheels for easy pushing. It has a cordless design and adjustable front handle for better grip, and it can easily throw snow up to 30 feet.
Clearing width: 24 inches | Max snow depth: 20 inches | Throwing distance: 50 feet | Weight: 150 pounds
For seniors who live in an area that gets a lot of snow each year, it's worth upgrading to a snow blower to effortlessly clear your sidewalks and driveways. My 65-year-old father purchased this EGO POWER+ model around two years ago, and he raves about it every winter. Its self-propelled design moves forward automatically, and it's able to easily clear snow up to 20 inches deep.
This two-stage snow blower runs on dual 56-volt batteries, so there's no need to mess around with gas in the cold weather. It's easy to adjust how far it throws snow, as well as the chute angle, and it even has bright LED headlights for visibility during storms.
Tips for safely shoveling snow
Having the right tools alone isn't enough to keep you safe while shoveling. It's also important to use proper technique and pace yourself while out in the cold winter weather.
Here are a few snow shoveling safety tips for seniors:
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Warm up beforehand: "A good stretch before you begin is essential to avoid injury. Head, neck, back, shoulders and hips should all be warmed up prior to shoveling," says Dr. Babaria. You may also want to walk in place for a few minutes to warm up your body.
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Alternate sides when tossing: "If lifting and throwing, seniors should alternate sides and distance they are going to throw," he explains. "Use proper bending techniques to avoid throwing out your back." Remember: Lift with your knees, not your back!
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Invest in proper winter gear: "Choose good footwear too — having a solid base to avoid slipping can ensure your foundation helps you push, pull, and throw," recommends chiropractor Dr. Lief Hands. If you need new winter footwear, we've rounded up the best snow boots for men and women.
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Don't pick up large scoops: "The smaller [shovel] blade is actually safer — it suppresses how much snow you can heave at once, preserving the low back and shoulders," says Dr. Hands.
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Take breaks as needed: "I tell patients this all the time: Stop if you feel short of breath or your back starts to ache. Warning signs can be hard to see past the cold weather," says Dr. Hands. The snow isn't going anywhere, so take a break and come back later if needed.
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Ask for help: If there's a lot of snow or you're not feeling well, there are many resources available to help with snow removal. Check with your local town government — many cities have shoveling assistance programs to help keep seniors safe during the winter.
Our experts
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Dr. Vivek Babaria is a board-certified and fellowship-trained interventional spine and sports medicine physician. He has substantial experience in interventional spine care and sports and regenerative medicine.
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Dr. Lief Hands is a a Doctor of Chiropractic at Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation. He's worked in the medical field for more than 20 years.
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Steve Corcoran is the CEO of landscaping company Lawn Love, which offers snow removal services in several states around the country.
Prices were accurate at the time of publication. Curious about how we test and choose products at AOL? Here’s a quick explanation, from our editors.
