Summer is a time for fun, relaxation and great times outdoors. But for older adults, the warm weather can be very dangerous without taking the proper precautions. Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as they used to. Sometimes, older people may not even feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.
Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as they used to. Sometimes, older people may not even feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.
Seniors must take the right steps to stay safe in the summer months. When temperatures hit between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, older adults and their caregivers should:
- Turn on the air conditioner or go where it's air-conditioned a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum, or library, for example. (Fans aren't enough.)
- Drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don't contain alcohol or caffeine. Remember: If your urine is a light yellow color, you're drinking enough water. If it's darker yellow, you need to drink more.
- Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear hats.
Avoid:
- Staying in the sun for long
- Walking long distances, lifting heavy objects, or doing other strenuous things
Warning Signs of Health Problems Caused by Heat
Dehydration: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.
Heat stroke: A body temperature of or above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and passing out.
Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
If you or someone you're caring for start to show these warning signs, call your doctor or 911. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes, drink water or other clear drinks. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or use cold, wet compresses to help lower your body temperature.
