As we age, our ability to cope with high temperatures, high humidity, and hot sun decreases. According to the CDC, people aged 65 and older are at an increased risk of heat-related health problems, such as heat stress and exhaustion. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions like diabetes and lung disease, which further reduce their ability to handle heat waves.
Certain medications can affect body temperature and sweat production, making it harder for the body to cool down. Medications for blood pressure, heart problems, or other conditions can reduce sweating and affect circulation, hindering the body’s cooling process. For those with diabetes, heat can impact blood vessels and sweat glands, and alter the body’s ability to use insulin. Consult with your pharmacist or doctor to understand any special heat-related precautions based on your health conditions.
Even if a loved one’s home is air-conditioned, they may still overheat depending on their activity level and the effectiveness of the cooling system. Here are several ways to help your loved one stay cool this summer:
Stay Hydrated
Older adults tend to drink less water than younger individuals, increasing their risk of dehydration, especially in hot weather. Encourage your loved one to drink water or beverages containing water, like fruit juice. Avoid drinks like coffee, hot tea, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol as they have a diuretic effect, leading to fluid loss. It’s also wise to limit alcohol intake during heat waves, as it can impair the body’s response to heat and recognition of heat-related problems.
Dress Appropriately
Wearing breathable fabrics can help prevent overheating. Ensure that older adults have loose-fitting clothing options in natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Since indoor air conditioning can make the environment chilly, provide a shawl or sweater that can be easily removed if needed.
Keep the house cool
While air-conditioning and fans are running, close windows and doors to unused rooms to trap cool air in the areas being used. Block cracks under doors with towels or insulation strips to maintain cooler temperatures. Use shades or curtains to block sunlight from heating the indoors.
For those without air conditioning or concerned about energy costs, many communities offer free cooling centers during the hottest times of the year. Public libraries, recreation centers, civic buildings, churches, and senior centers provide cool indoor spaces.
Limit stove and oven use
Stoves and ovens generate heat, making the kitchen uncomfortably hot. Avoid recipes that require long cooking times. If using the stove is necessary, run the kitchen’s exhaust fans to reduce heat and steam.
Use cold compresses
Cold compresses can help regulate body temperature. Apply the compress to wrists, neck, or temples to quickly lower body temperature. If a cold compress isn’t available, use cold water bottles, a bag of ice cubes, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Remember, do not leave frozen compresses on for more than 20 minutes at a time.
DIY cold compress:
- ice (or frozen vegetables)
- washcloth
- water
- plastic bag
- towel
Steps:
- Place ice cubes in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen food.
- Run a washcloth under cold water and wrap it around the plastic bag of ice.
- Place the compress on the skin for up to 20 minutes.
- Dry the area with a towel after use.
Limit strenuous activities
Exercise is important, but on extremely hot days, limit demanding activities to avoid dizziness and exhaustion. Cool down with cold compresses, sponge baths, or cool showers. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning when temperatures are cooler.
Recognize heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention. Symptoms include faintness, dizziness, fatigue, agitation, nausea, or fever. If these symptoms persist for more than an hour, contact a doctor. Severe symptoms like confusion, combativeness, or delirium indicate a need for urgent medical treatment, as heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
Sources: Julie Hayes, MS, Content Manager at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging for WellMedCharitableFoundation.dalilylivingadvice.com (used with permission). Everything You Need to Know About Using a Cold Compress. 5 Hot Weather Tips that Could Save an Older Adult’s Life
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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