There is no strict age when everyone must stop shoveling snow; it depends on health, fitness, and how hard the job is, but experts start to worry about risk in midlife and strongly discourage it in many older adults.

General age guidance

• Heart experts and the American Heart Association highlight that adults over about 45 should be cautious, because cold plus heavy exertion can trigger heart attacks, especially in people with risk factors.

• Many cardiologists say people in their 70s and 80s, and anyone of any age with heart disease or major risk factors, are usually better off avoiding shoveling altogether and using help or mechanical options instead.

Factors that matter more than age

• You are at higher risk if you have known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, are a smoker, are significantly overweight, or very sedentary, even if you are younger than 65.

• Heavy, wet snow, deep accumulation (4 inches or more), steep driveways, and very low temperatures all make shoveling more dangerous, because they increase both workload and strain on the heart.

Practical rules of thumb

• Consider delegating shoveling once you are 60–65+, or at any age if you have heart disease or multiple risk factors; use a snow blower or hire help instead.

• If you do shovel: push rather than lift, use a small/ergonomic shovel, take frequent breaks, avoid big meals, alcohol, or smoking beforehand, and stop immediately if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath out of proportion, dizziness, or palpitations—and call emergency services if symptoms don’t quickly ease.

When you should not shovel

• Do not shovel at all without medical clearance if you have had a recent heart attack, recent heart procedure, unstable chest pain, or severe shortness of breath with mild exertion.

• If you are unsure whether it is safe for you personally—especially if you are over 45 with any risk factors—ask your doctor; a brief visit or call can give tailored advice that is much safer than guessing.