How old is too old to shovel snow? Here’s what doctors say

How to safely shovel snow

The Mayo Clinic has some tips for safely shoveling snow.

Snowfall can be an enchanting sight. 

Many bask in the beauty of snow and embrace the changing of the seasons, while others — namely those responsible for shoveling — dread the sight of the falling white particles. 

Of course municipal snow plows do the heavy lifting when it comes to the streets and highways, but someone has to get a head start on spaces closer to the house like entryways and driveways. 

Shoveling can be a rigorous chore and requires ample energy and strength, and in some cases, can even be dangerous, as the activity is demanding on the body’s heart and musculoskeletal system.

According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, approximately 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for shoveling related injuries from 1990 to 2006. 

So at what age should someone finally put the shovel down?  

While there’s no exact age cutoff, experts say adults over the age of 45 should be cautious since they’re in the age group where there is heightened risk of an accident, according to an American Heart Association spokesperson.

However, those with either heart or musculoskeletal conditions should avoid shoveling snow altogether, no matter what age they are. 

Retired American Heart Association expert Dr. Barry Franklin emphasized the five main stressors to the heart caused by shoveling in a news release: 

• Shoveling snow involves mostly isometric or static exertion involving the contraction of muscles without any movement in the surrounding joints.
• The task is more demanding on the arms, which is more taxing on the heart compared to leg work.
• While lifting heavy loads of snow, one might unintentionally hold their breath, causing big increases in heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Since the legs don’t move much while shoveling, this leads to the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, so it is not getting back to the heart which needs the oxygenated blood.
• Blood vessels are constricted throughout the body from breathing in/exposure to cold air, disproportionately raising blood pressure and simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries

Because of these risks, people with known or suspected heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure should be extra cautious while shoveling.

Similarly, smokers, very inactive people, and those who are obese or habitually sedentary should practice extra caution. 

When someone can’t help

It might seem like the obvious solution is to just get someone else to do the shoveling for you, but if no one is nearby or available, there are precautions you can take to make the task overall safer. 

Franklin advised in a news release to push or sweep instead as this requires less exertion compared to lifting and throwing. Always start gradually and pace yourself. Be extra careful if conditions are windy — the wind makes the temperature feel even colder than it is and will increase the effects of the cold on your body. 

If possible, use an automated snow blower instead of a shovel. Experts found that using a snow blower raises the heart rate to about 120, whereas shoveling can get it up to 170. 

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