EEK! Can I keep myself and the older people I love safe in hot weather?
Heat-related health problems increase with age! Did you know that?
Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Hyperthermia includes:
- Heat fatigue
- Heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat)
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, have lifestyle factors that can often lead to hyperthermia including:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lack of mobility and access to transportation
- Living in housing without air conditioning
- Overdressing
- Not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions
- Visiting overcrowded places
What medical issues can lead to an increase in hyperthermia in the elderly?
You or your parents also may have medical issues that increase the risk of hyperthermia:
- Dehydration.
- Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
- High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet.
- Use of multiple medications.
- Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
- Being substantially overweight or underweight.
- Reduced sweating, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
- Alcohol use.
What are the signs for heat stroke?
The Signs of Heat Stroke
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a significant increase in body temperature (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit), changes in mental status (like confusion or combativeness), strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, feeling faint, staggering or coma.
How to aid someone suffering with hyperthermia (including heat stroke):
- Get the person out of the heat and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge them to lie down.
- If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.
- Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water if it is safe to do so.
- Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/or groin. These are places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
- If the person can swallow safely, offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Head over to the National Institute on Aging for more information on Hyperthermia.
No compensation was provided for this post. The Chief Blonde posted this for your reference.
Source: The National Institute on Aging.
My daughter is always reminding me that I am not drinking enough liquids during the hot weather. Appreciate the information you have provided here.
I live in South Florida and we have to be very mindful of this not only in older adults but with little ones also.
Thankyou for all this vtal information on Sun Strokes. My Husband and I are almost 69. So we try to stay inside a lot so we don’t get over heated! I have circulation Problems and He is a typ 2 diabetic plus suffering from Parkinsons Disease.We both take a lot of meds. Especially him..He almost passes out in the heat! My legs hurt in the humidity. Which this year is rough. A lot of rain!! Thankyou Again!
I got heatstroke once because I was dehydrated–it was not fun!
It is dangerously hot all summer where I live in Mississippi. We have heat advisories every day and daily I hear about all the people having to go to the hospital for collapsing at work. My uncle who is in his 60’s works in a factory without air conditioning because they say it will damage the hot molds they use to make car parts. I worry about his health.
This is really good information to have, especially with the temperatures that we have recently been dealing with. Thanks for sharing.
This was a great post to read! It’s so informative. I didn’t know about all the signs and this is something I really needed to know living among my elderly neighbor here in hot Florida. Thank you for sharing!
An older person often dresses too warmly because he/she often feels cold. That is something else that I watch. I always make sure to have available a lot,of,fluids,
This is such good info, especially for the summer months. It gets so hot here in Georgia and it’s hot today, 100 degrees with heat index around 110! I like to work in the yard, but when it’s this hot, I stay indoors!
This is great information to share for summer. My in-laws live in Texas so this is great information for me to share with them as well.
My son has been doing a lot of yard work this summer for me and I made sure he understood this so he could take care of himself. Drinking a lot of water is really important.
It’s a dangerous condition and not a lot of people are aware of how quickly it can sneak up on you. Thanks for posting this much needed information.
This is such important information. I never thought about this for adults, I am always so worried about the kids before adults for some reason. Good to know!
What a valuable article, especially for those with loved ones who are older (and even ourselves as we age). I try to keep a close eye out for folks who may need assistance when it’s very hot out.
Oh my good stuff to know for sure. It’s important to look out for warning signs!
Thanks for the tips + signs. This is good to know for the summer.
This information is so important to know! Especially during the hot summer!
Heat can be silent but deadly! You have to stay vigilant, careful, and hydrated during the summer months!
Thanks for sharing this amazing post. It is very informative and a good read. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing such valuable information. I have a few elderly neighbors i check in on every few days.