Summer Heat Safety Tips for Seniors

While it’s a great idea for your senior loved one to enjoy the fresh air during the summer, it’s also important to know how to recognize the signs that they’ve had too much heat and what to do if that happens.

Older adults’ bodies are generally slower to adjust to hot days than their younger counterparts, partially because they don’t perspire as efficiently as they used to. Plus, some types of medications — including those for blood pressure control, heart ailments and diuretics common to the elderly — can make it more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature. Seniors contending with memory issues could also be more vulnerable to heat exposure because they might forget to drink enough water when they should, or fail to recognize when they’re becoming dehydrated.

Here are some summer heat safety tips for seniors:

• Dress for success – Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. It sounds simple, but some seniors are creatures of habit who might prefer to wear long pants and sleeves, no matter what the forecast predicts.
• Exercise carefully – Consider altering your senior loved one’s exercise routine on hot days. It might be a good idea to skip a scheduled exercise class or to get outside in the early morning hours before the heat sets in. They could also find an air-conditioned place to exercise, either in their home or at their local senior center, or walk the halls at an indoor shopping mall.
• Drink up – It’s important to stay hydrated, so they should drink plenty of water to protect themselves from the effects of hot days.
• Pack your hot weather safety kit – Load a bag with sunscreen, a cloth or two soaked in water, liquid refreshments, sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing so you’re prepared for whatever the weather may throw at you.
• Know where to go – If you or someone you care about is living in a place without air conditioning, find out if your community has a cooling shelter where they can go to get a break from the high temperatures during the warmest part of the day. Some communities may be able to put you in touch with a senior services organization that can help you get a window air conditioner to bring the temperature down in your home.

Know the Symptoms and Risks

Even if you take all these precautions, heat exhaustion still may occur, so it is important to know the symptoms. When people start to get overheated, the first telltale signs are typically headache, dizziness, and nausea. These indicators can emerge quickly and – it’s vital to react as efficiently as possible.

If heat exhaustion isn’t responded to quickly, it can evolve into heat stroke, which is a serious medical condition that can cause permanent damage to a person’s body or even death. Heat stroke sets in when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees, and it is often accompanied by a rapid heart rate, weakness, excessive sweating, vomiting, and fainting. If you’re able to cool down within 30 minutes of the onset of heat exhaustion symptoms, it’s generally not considered to be an emergency situation. But if heat stroke symptoms occur, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. Heat stroke can cause irreparable harm to your brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and muscles. The longer care is delayed, the higher the risk of complications.

How to Respond to Senior Overheating:

• Get your older loved one out of the sun and into a cool place as soon as possible, preferably inside in an air-conditioned space.
• Have them drink fluids, preferably water or a sports drink designed to quickly rehydrate our bodies. Avoid drinks with caffeine and especially alcoholic beverages.
• If possible, get your loved one into a cool shower or bath. If those aren’t available, sponge them off with cool water or soak a towel in cool water and place it on the back of their neck or on their forehead.
• Have them lay down and rest, exerting themselves as little as possible to keep from generating body heat.

These summer heat safety tips for how to prepare for hot weather, what to be vigilant about and how to respond if your elderly parent starts to show signs of heat exhaustion can keep them safe – and active – all summer long.

Adapting to the summer heat isn’t the only safety concern as we age — learn more on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.