Summer is a favorite time of year for many people. Everyone relishes the opportunity to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, especially after a winter of feeling trapped indoors. As people age, however, they are more vulnerable to the dangers of heat, sun exposure, and dehydration. In addition, dehydration may increase the risk of a serious cardiovascular event like a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. During a record-breaking heat wave, one study found that the increased heat triggered not just an increase in emergency room trips, but a 75% increase in heat-related deaths.
Why It’s a Problem
As you age, you don’t sweat as well as young people—which means that it’s harder to cool off. It’s also more difficult to adjust to sudden changes in temperature, like heading outside after sitting in an air-conditioned house or car. Stepping quickly from one extreme to the other can also cause stress on the body that makes it difficult to adjust to the temperature change. Seniors are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions that change the body’s normal response to heat, take prescription medications that may impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, or even take medications that inhibit perspiration. Seniors also don’t notice the increased heat the way younger people do, which can make it difficult for them to recognize the signs and risks associated with high temperatures.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are heat-related illnesses caused by spending too much time in the heat, usually accompanied by dehydration. When heat stroke occurs, the body may lose its ability to regulate temperature. The most obvious external signs of heat exhaustion include confusion, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. The individual suffering from heat exhaustion may also complain of headache, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea. Muscle cramps and dark-colored urine are further signs that heat exhaustion has occurred. In the event of heat stroke, a racing heart, rapid breathing, flushed skin, and an extremely high body temperature, generally around 104, will appear.
Avoiding Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in the Elderly
The first step to avoiding heat stroke and heat exhaustion is to remain hydrated. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, will make it easier to keep the body functioning normally. Dressing appropriately, including layered clothing when you anticipate going in and outside several times, can help keep heat exhaustion and heat stroke at bay. It’s also important to choose outside time carefully. Seniors shouldn’t stay outside for too long, and remaining inside during the mid-day hours can be helpful. It’s also important to use air conditioning or open the windows at night, when you will be less likely to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seniors should seek air-conditioned environments throughout the majority of the day.
Checking the heat index and the weather forecast before you go out is another great way to ensure that you won’t end up outside in too-hot temperatures, especially if you no longer “feel” the heat the way you once did. Use skin protection: avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and keep sunscreen readily accessible, where it’s easy to use and you will remember it often. If you’re going to be participating in an outdoor activity, take plenty of breaks to cool down when necessary.
Be aware of the side effects of your prescriptions and how your body responds to strenuous activity. Make sure that you know the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion and pay attention to them: don’t ignore symptoms just to enjoy a little bit more time outdoors. It can also be helpful to rinse away the heat of the day by taking a cool shower or getting in the water outside.
By knowing the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion and taking steps to protect yourself or senior loved ones, you can prepare for a happier, healthier summer for everyone. If the senior in your life experiences heat-related issues, make sure that they seek medical attention immediately. Paying attention to the heat and staying away from the sun during the hottest part of the day will ensure that they are less likely to experience problems.