Summer means longer days, family get-togethers, and more time outside. But the heat can be tougher on older adults than many people realize. Each year, over 700 people in the United States die from extreme heat, and older adults are especially at risk. The good news is that most heat-related illnesses can be prevented with simple steps.
Why Older Adults Feel the Heat More
As people get older, their bodies do not cool down as well. Older adults usually sweat less and may not adjust quickly when the temperature changes. Many also have chronic health problems, like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes, which can make it harder to handle heat. Some common medicines, such as certain blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and sedatives, can also make it harder for the body to control temperature or stay hydrated.
There is another risk that is easy to miss. The body may not signal thirst or overheating as clearly as before. This means an older adult can get dangerously hot before noticing anything is wrong. That is why it is so important to check on each other during a heat wave.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Heat-related illness can range from mild discomfort to a real emergency. Knowing the signs helps you act quickly.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s signal that it is struggling to cool down. According to the National Weather Service, signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, or clammy skin
- A fast, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness, headache, or nausea
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
If you see these signs, go to a cooler place, drink some water, loosen your clothing, and use cool, wet cloths. If symptoms do not improve within an hour or worsen, get medical help right away.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you notice:
- A very high body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- A fast, strong pulse
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
While you wait for help, move the person to a cooler place and use cool cloths or a cool bath to help lower their temperature.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe
When trying to stay ahead of the heat, a few habits can make a real difference:
- Spend the hottest hours in air conditioning. A fan alone is not enough once temperatures climb into the 90s.
- Drink water often, even before you feel thirsty. Try to limit alcohol and caffeine. If your doctor has told you to limit fluids or take water pills, ask about how you should handle hydration when it’s hot.
- Dress for the weather in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Do errands and outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours, and take breaks often.
- Take a cool shower or bath to bring your body temperature down.
- Avoid using the oven or stove on the hottest days.
- Wear sunscreen. A sunburn makes it harder for the body to cool itself.
- Pay attention to the heat index, not just the temperature, because humidity can make it feel hotter than it really is.
Looking Out for One Another
It is easier to stay safe in the heat when you are not alone. If you have an older parent, neighbor, or friend, try to check on them at least twice a day during a heat wave, and ask someone to check on you, too. Even a quick phone call or visit can help catch a problem early.
For families with loved ones in a senior living community, daily care is already part of the routine. At Claiborne Senior Living communities, residents have climate-controlled spaces, get water throughout the day, and are watched over by team members who know the signs of heat-related illness and pay close attention when it gets hot.
If you have questions about how we help residents stay comfortable and safe during the summer, please reach out to us.
The information in this post is general and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about staying safe in the heat, especially if you have a chronic condition or take medications that affect how your body handles temperature.
