Summer Heat Safety Tips for Seniors

Heat exhaustion, heat intolerance, and heat stroke: elderly individuals are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses than any other age group. According to the CDC, Americans aged 60+ make up three quarters of annual heat-related deaths, which is why it’s so important for seniors to learn how to stay safe in hot weather.

With temperatures rising, here are some heat safety tips to share with your elderly loved one (and to use yourself!).

Seniors and Heat

Elderly heat intolerance is greater compared to other age groups because of a variety of factors, including pre-existing health conditions that make bodily cooling less efficient or medications that keep body temperature higher. The latter include common medications for allergies, congestion, depression, pain, and cardiovascular disease, as well as some antibiotics and diuretics.

Older people sweat less, making them more prone to heat stroke. Those that live in hotter climates, who drink alcohol or caffeine, who drink little water throughout the day, or who are overweight or obese are especially at risk. Any illness that causes fever can also dangerously exacerbate the adverse effects of hot weather.

Heat-related illness is also known as hyperthermia and includes many different conditions, described below.

Heat Related Illness Symptoms

The greatest threat from intense summer temperatures comes from heat stroke. When the body overheats to 104°F and cannot cool off, seniors are at an increased risk of damage to muscles, kidneys, and the heart. Untreated heat stroke can be fatal. Heat stroke symptoms include a weak pulse which can be unusually fast or slow, lack of sweat despite feeling very hot, and confusion or disorientation. Skin will often look flushed.

Heat exhaustion precedes heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include thirst, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Your skin may feel cold and clammy, even as you yourself feel warm.

Heat syncope is a lesser-known term for fainting from overheating. Fainting is preceded by dizziness, but can happen quite suddenly. Beta blockers can significantly increase the risk of heat syncope.

Heat edema is the swelling of ankles and feet due to heat and excessive standing. If you notice this swelling, sit or lie down with your feet elevated, and get medical assistance if the swelling does not go down.

Heat cramps happen when muscles get overheated, causing pain and/or spasms.

Sunburns are dangerous for any age individual, as they increase the risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). Older skin is slower to repair after sun damage, so prevention of sunburn becomes extremely important.

Heat rash is another condition that affects skin. Excessive sweating can cause small, itchy blisters to appear.

Lastly, dehydration is more than just thirst; insufficient water intake leads to low electrolytes, which help regulate heartbeat. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, weakness, headaches, and confusion.

Warm Weather Safety

The following are some actions you can take to stay safe (or keep your elderly loved one safe) during our hottest months:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medication side effects to make sure you know about summer heat-related risks. This includes over the counter meds and supplements.
• Limit time outdoors between 10:00AM and 6:00PM, which is when the sun’s UV index is typically highest. (This time window may be slightly different in your area.) If spending time outdoors, make sure to wear a higher SPF sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing (such as long sleeves) that is also light and breathable. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water! Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors. Water is best, but unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice is also a good choice, as is herbal iced tea. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which are considered diuretics and lead to increased urination.
• If your home has air conditioning, keep it at a comfortable temperature under 80°F. (If you or your loved one may have trouble paying a cooling bill, LIHEAP is a federal program that can help.)
• If your home does not have air conditioning, keep windows and curtains/blinds closed during the day, and open windows at night. Limit use of the oven and other appliances that warm up indoor space. (These tips also help air conditioning efficiency, if you do have it.) Use fans to cool off except when the indoor temperature is 90°F or hotter; in this case, fans will make conditions worse. During particularly hot days, try to find other indoor places to be, like a nearby senior center, a friend or family member’s home, the mall, the library, or your house of worship.
• Avoid strenuous activities that leave you sweating or out of breath. While keeping up regular exercise is important to overall health, it should be done indoors or, if outdoors, early in the morning. Pool-based exercise is a great choice during the summer!
• Take a lukewarm (not cold) shower or bath.

If you begin to sense signs of heat exhaustion, go somewhere cool—preferably indoors—sit or lie down, and sip water. If you have symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and get medical assistance immediately.

Extreme temperatures present safety issues for elderly individuals. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by being prepared and avoiding hyperthermia.

If your loved one needs home care, our VetAssist mission is to make home care easily and quickly accessible for those who qualify through the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans Home Care can help you determine whether you or your loved one will be eligible to receive the benefit, which can cover some or all of the cost of home care, and we make it easy to apply. Chat with us via our website, or call us at (888) 314-6075.