The current heat waves sweeping across the United States are causing all kinds of potential health issues among the general population. With persistent higher temperature, the risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustions rise. Compared to younger people, seniors are especially vulnerable because the human body’s ability to adapt to high temperatures becomes less efficient with age.
In this time of extreme weather conditions, it is important to have a good understanding of the risks hot weather brings and what preventive measures you need to take to deal with heat-related illness. In this guide, we will walk you through some hot weather tips for seniors that can help keep yourself and your family safe over the summer.
What are the Common Heat Related Illness?
Let’s first look at some of the most common heat-related health problems affecting seniors.
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is the sudden dizziness that some people feel when they are active in hot days. It happens more frequently for those taking certain prescription medicines, such as beta blocker. It is a relatively mild condition that tends to go away after a brief rest in a cool place or after you drink enough water.
Heat Cramps
Another relatively mild condition that tends to go away by resting in the shade or in a cool building, and drinking water. Typical symptoms include painful tightening or spasms of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. You may also have moist and cool skin while your temperature and pulse stay normal. It is often the result of hard work or intense activity in hot weather. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks containing electrolytes, and avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Heat Edema
Heat Edema refers to swelling in your ankles and feet when you are feeling hot. To recover, put your legs up to help reduce swelling. Make sure to check with a doctor if that doesn’t make it go away.
Sun Exposure (Sunburn)
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage. Your skin may appear red and tender and may also evelop blisters and start to peel. In more serious cases you may also develop fever, chills, rash, or feel nausea. The way to prevent sunburn is to stay out of direct sun exposure. And if you have to be outdoor, wear clothing that covers your skin and use broad spectrum sunscreen (and reapply often). If you are sunburned, wear loose fitting clothing that’s made of breathable fabrics, take cold showers, and moisturize affected areas.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body is unable to regulate its internal temperature effectively after prolonged exposure to hot weather. And even though it’s not as severe as heatstroke, it should still be taken seriously and treated promptly. Otherwise, the condition can quickly deteriorate into the latter when you are exposed to hot and humid conditions for an extended period and your body loses fluids and electrolytes through sweating.
Typical symptoms of heat exhaustion includes heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, dry and clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, and muscle cramps.
Heatstroke
Compared with heat exhaustion, heatstroke is a lot more severe and potentially life-threatening. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails to maintain a safe internal temperature, and is often a result of prolonged exposure to high temperature and high humidity. It can happen when the body’s core temperature rises rapidly, reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher.
Typical symptoms of heatstroke includes high body temperature, altered mental state or behavior, flushed skin, rapid pulse and breathing, nausea and vomiting, headache and seizure. People suffering from heatstroke require immediate medical attention.
There are two main types of heatstroke:
Classic Heatstroke: This type occurs gradually over a few days days. Elderlies and those with chronic health conditions are often the most vulnerable as they are unable to cool themselves effectively. It is more common during heat waves and in areas with too much heat.
Exertional Heatstroke: Happens suddenly, most often during intense physical activity in hot and humid weather. This condition can affect younger individuals who are exerting themselves in sports or other strenuous activities.
What to Do When Someone Suffers from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
If you or someone is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent it from worsening into heatstroke. Below is a list of things that you should do when these symptoms appear.
Move to a Cool Place
Get out of the hot environment and away from direct sunlight, and move into a shaded or air conditioned place if possible.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of cool water or other non-alcoholic beverages to rehydrate and replace lost fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or excessive sugar. If the person is too weak to drink, give him or her cool water to drink in sips.
Cool the Body
Apply cool, wet cloths or take cool showers or bath to let the body cool down. If the person is suffering from heat stroke, then use whatever means available to lower the body temperature, including spraying them with cool water, or applying cold packs to the armpits and groin and fanning them.
Rest
Lie down and rest to help the body recover from the stress of heat exposure.
Call for Help
If the person is suffering from heat stroke, dial emergency services or seek medical attention right away.
Hot Weather Safety Tips for Seniors
Now that we have gone through the common heat related illnesses, let’s talk about how to prevent them. As days of high temperature are expected to get more frequent, it is important to be aware of these precautionary measures, especially if you are caring for seniors.
There are simple measures that can be taken to lessen the potential impact of heat-related risks. These include staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during days of rising temperatures. For older persons, it is also advisable to stay in places with air conditioning, such as shopping malls or libraries.
If you have families or friends who are older or suffering from chronic medical conditions, it is also a good idea to regularly check in with them and seek assistance if needed.
Services and Resources for Seniors to Deal with Hot Weather
In the U.S., we are fortunate to have many groups, including government agencies and non-profit organizations (NGOs), that provide services and resources to help seniors deal with hot weather. During the summer months, they play a key role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of older Americans who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. Below are some of these options:
Cooling Centers
Many cooling centers are set up around the country during heatwaves. They include public places like community centers, libraries, or senior centers where older individuals can go and stay away from the heat. Some even provide air conditioning, water, and sometimes snacks.
Fan and Air Conditioning Assistance
Plenty of government programs offer financial assistance to seniors to help them pay for air conditioning or fan use. At the same time, some NGOs and local agencies may also provide free or low-cost fans or air conditioning units to low-income seniors. These programs vary by location, so check with your local social services, utility companies, or charitable organizations for information.
Meals on Wheels
In addition to delivering nutritious food to senior, Meals on Wheels also check on their well-being. The program may also provide additional water or special meals to help them stay hydrated during hot weather.
In-Home Care Services and Community Outreach Programs
For seniors with difficulty taking care of themselves during hot weather, in-home caregivers can assist with tasks like hydration, meal preparation, and medication management. Also, some community organizations and senior centers may organize wellness checks and outreach programs during hot weather to ensure seniors are coping well and have the support they need.
Medical Alert Systems
These systems, which may include temperature sensors that can alert caregivers or emergency servicesm are designed to help seniors in emergencies.
Transportation Services
Access to transportation can be crucial during extreme heat. Some areas offer specialized transportation services for seniors to get to cooling centers or medical appointments.
