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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are more likely to experience age-related illnesses and accidents. Older adults sweat less, therefore their bodies are less efficient at regulating body temperature. Perspiration is the body’s primary means of managing its internal temperature. The body may have a harder time controlling temperature in older adults.
This may be an issue during the hotter months because the body’s internal temperature rises in response to an increase in ambient temperature. As a result, elderly people are more prone to heat stroke throughout the summer. Given the rising summer temperatures, the following are some suggestions for keeping elderly people safe in summer:
Drink plenty of water
To stay hydrated during the day, try to consume at least eight glasses of water daily. Avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee, and tea can help prevent dehydration. Older adults should drink more water if they are engaging in any physical activity or if the weather is really hot.
Stay inside during periods of extreme heat
The body has to work harder to maintain the internal temperature when it is really hot outdoors and the relative humidity is high. As a result, the perspiration process slows down. The sun’s rays are at their highest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If at all feasible, schedule your outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
Stay somewhere with air conditioning
During the hot and humid season, having air conditioning is essential. Relocate to a location with air conditioning if your house doesn’t already have it. There are many places to go, including movie theatres, shopping malls, friends’ or relatives’ homes, and even the local senior centres.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
Loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibres that enable air to circulate, like cotton, is the most comfortable to wear during the hot summer months. Instead of wearing darker hues that would attract mosquitoes, dress in light colours that would reflect the sun and heat.
Protect your skin and eyes
Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from potentially dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays and preserve good vision. When you are outside, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and one that protects UVA and UVB rays will help prevent skin cancer.
Be mindful of any side effects from the medications you take
A variety of drugs have been linked to patients’ increased photosensitivity. The medicines you are taking should be reviewed by your primary care doctor, who should also address any queries or worries you may have.
Learn how to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and hyperthermia
Some of the symptoms to look out for include disorientation, dry skin, intense weariness, headaches, lethargy, nausea, a flushed face, an elevated body temperature, a quick heartbeat, and dizziness. To prevent further harm, you must treat any symptoms as soon as you notice them.
Stay in contact with your friends, family, caregivers, and other close contacts
Create a list of phone numbers you can call in an emergency and keep it close by in case you need it.
As a caregiver, you can help seniors avoid heat exhaustion by carrying out the following actions:
- Observe carefully for any signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Make sure your client has access to several types of air conditioning
- Assist them in minimizing their exposure to the sun.
- Make sure that they are consuming enough fluids to stay hydrated and are maintaining a normal body temperature
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregiver are trained in senior safety and know how to protect your loved ones during extreme weather warnings. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com, or call us at 1-855-410-7971, and we will be happy to help you arrange care for a loved one.
