Senior Safety During the Summer Heat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that seniors are more likely to suffer heat-related diseases and injuries. Why is it that older individuals are more at risk of extreme weather than younger people?

Sweating is the body's primary method of controlling body temperature. As we age, our body becomes less effective at controlling our body temperature because we sweat less than we did when we were young. Older adults retain fat differently, which might further impede the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Hot Weather Safety Tips For Seniors

Seniors may find it more challenging to handle the humidity and high temperatures. If you have elders in your family or neighborhood, it is vital to monitor them to prevent heat-related symptoms from developing into life-threatening heat stroke.

Check on your elderly loved ones to ensure that they are routinely consuming water throughout the day and boosting their fluid consumption on especially hot days or when there is more activity. Always bring water bottles with you when you leave the house.

The sun is most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM. Heat and humidity cause evaporation to slow down, forcing the body to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. So, try to keep your outdoor activities for just the morning and evening hours.

Dress them appropriately for the conditions. Pick loose-fitting, light-colored clothes that are easy to move around in. Cotton and other natural materials may feel cooler than synthetic ones.

Keep your senior connected to a local caregiving network. Provide your elderly loved one with an emergency contact list that they can easily access. By doing this, they can find out the names and telephone numbers of neighbors, doctors, emergency services, and caregivers.