The older body just isn’t as resilient against heat exhaustion and heat stroke as it was at younger ages, and some medications and health problems can exacerbate heat intolerance. Extra precautions should be taken when its too darn hot outside for older people. As we age, there are changes in our bodies that make us more susceptible to problems from heat and humidity. Elderly people need to take extra care when temperatures get above 80 degrees. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults should watch for symptoms of over-heating.
“Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.”
If you are caring for an aging person, it is important to check on them regularly during the hotter months, as they may still try to do the same activities they normally do and end up in trouble.
For example, waiting for the bus could leave an elderly person out in the heat too long and they could pass out when they try to stand up.
One of the most common heat issues for seniors is called “heat syncope,” which causes people to feel dizzy and faint in the heat. Injuries could happen if the senior faints and falls on a hard sidewalk. Some other health problems from over-heating include dehydration, heat edema, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Additionally, if a senior suffers from heat stroke, it is a medical emergency, and they need to get immediate treatment.
Tips on how to avoid heat-related health problems for seniors:
- Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening after the sun has gone down.
- Stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home doesn’t have AC, or is above 80 degrees, plan to go to places that are well-cooled, like movie theaters, shopping malls, the library, or a senior center in your area.
- Take showers or baths to cool down. If you don’t have time, get a towel wet and drape it around your head, neck and shoulders. Taking a tepid (not too cold or too hot) shower before bedtime really helps cool down your body and makes it easier to fall asleep on a hot night.
- Don’t try to take a bus in the middle of a hot day. Ask a friend or family member for a ride or wait until the temperature is cooler.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is lost when we sweat, so on hot days more hydration is needed to keep your body cool. Remember that some liquids like coffee or alcohol, can dehydrate you, so you need to drink 2 glasses of water for every cup of coffee you drink.
- Dress in light colored, loose clothing, and wear a hat with a brim to keep the sun off your head.
- Use a good sunscreen to protect aging skin from the sun.
If you do become over-heated, lie down in a cool place out of the sun, put your feet up and drink cool water until you feel better.
Heath Issues and Medications that can cause heat intolerance:
Health problems that put you at greater risk include:
- People who are over 50 years old are more likely to suffer from heat-related heath issues.
- Heart or blood vessel problems.
- Poorly working sweat glands or changes in your skin caused by normal aging.
- Heart, lung, or kidney disease, as well as any illness that makes you feel weak all over or results in a fever.
- Conditions treated by drugs, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines; they may make it harder for your body to cool itself
- Taking multiple prescription drugs, ask your doctor if your combined medications make you more likely to become overheated.
- Alcoholic beverages and coffee can dehydrate your body.
- Being very overweight or underweight.
The following table describes the different ailments that elderly people can experience in hot temperatures:
Sources: Health in Aging, National Institute on Aging
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