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Top 10 Ways to Help Seniors
to Beat the Heat
As
spring blossoms and the summer heats up, many of our nation’s senior citizens will begin to leave their homes to take advantage of the
sun and warm weather. Although many would agree that “age is a state
of mind,” the summer months bring with them risks to susceptible
elderly populations that have been homebound during the winter
months.
That’s
why Visiting Angels, the nation’s leading at-home non-medical
assisted living service provider, has created the following tips to
help seniors prepare for the sweltering conditions and the rigors of
living through the upcoming heat waves.
1) Keep household windows open. The elderly tend to lose
their sense of body temperature, which could lead to death from heat
illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control, during 1979
to 1999, 8,015 heat-related deaths occurred in this country. As
people age, their brain sometimes can’t recognize that the body is
overheating. As a result, some seniors keep windows closed or may
wear sweaters on sweltering days because they feel cold. Be sure to
open some windows throughout the house to circulate fresh air and
maintain a safe temperature.
2) Stay cool inside cars. When traveling in a car with
seniors, always maintain a suitable temperature during the trip.
Leave windows open if they stay in the vehicle while you run into a
store. Like very young members of the family, seniors need fresh
air, as they run a greater risk of overheating in a hot, closed
automobile. And of course for safety, make sure all passengers use
their seat belts.
3)
Minimize exposure to the sun. Whether it is around the
house, in the park or at the beach, seniors need to limit direct
exposure to the sun. Not only do they run a higher risk of skin
disease, sunburn, or overheating, but also exhaustion, an often
dangerous—and overlooked—hazard during the summer. Being overactive
or simply sitting outside for too long puts the elderly at risk to
serious conditions that may threaten their health. To minimize risks
wear light colored clothing and plan outdoor activities during the
cooler parts of the day.
4)
Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is essential for
everyone, but the elderly tend to lose fluids faster than other age
groups. Given the threat of overheating and becoming physically
strained, it is important that seniors drink a lot of water and
other liquids to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
5)
Avoid stressful activities. Even the most vivacious
seniors should be careful how much energy they expend outdoors
during the summer months. It can be difficult for the elderly to
give up activities or responsibilities as they get older, so be sure
that seniors are not over-extending themselves. Tasks such as
mowing lawns and gardening should be saved for cooler days, or
passed on to landscaping companies.
6)
Stay active, but cool. Take part in activities that are
enjoyable and appropriate for weather conditions, and emphasize
socialization. Pool exercises are a perfect way for seniors to stay
fit, flexible and cool. Also, many community centers provide
activities in air conditioned facilities for the elderly that focus
on their interests, promote friendships, and allow trained staff to
monitor conditions.
7)
Understand how sun exposure can effect certain medications.
Some prescription medications can have negative side effects if the
user has prolonged exposure to the sun or takes part in outdoor
physical activities in very hot weather. Certain medications (e.g.,
anti-psychotics, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and
over-the-counter sleeping pills) can impair the body's ability to
regulate its temperature or inhibit perspiration under similar
conditions. All of these risks are amplified when combined with
alcoholic beverages. Seniors should always read the warning labels
on medication and check with a physician or pharmacist to avoid
harmful side effects.
8)
Wear sunscreen and bug repellant. The season’s sun and
bugs can be a challenge to summer comfort, so be prepared to prevent
their sting. Keep bug spray and a high-SPF sunscreen on hand, and
apply the treatment regularly in accordance with the label
instructions.
9)
Establish a buddy system. Create a set routine where a
family member, a friend or a local volunteer checks on the elderly
on a daily basis during a heat wave. This is especially important
for seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia. The elderly
affected by dementia may be unable to communicate their discomfort
or may become confused about their body temperature and require
consistent monitoring. Capable seniors should also be proactive and
find someone to check on them and monitor their safety/health on a
regular basis.
10)
Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion. Unusual fatigue,
dizziness, nausea and headaches may be early signs of heat
exhaustion. Keep an eye on neighbors and friends who may be prone
to fatigue or dehydration to ensure their safety. Ignoring or not
knowing the signs may lead to heat stroke and possible death. If you
find that someone is exhibiting the signs, hydrate them, find them a
cool place to rest, and consult a physician. Call 9-1-1 if the
problem is serious or if it persists.
For
more information on Visiting Angels, please contact Matthew
McLoughlin at 610-642-8253 or write
Matt@GregoryFCA.com.
FYI – all facts are from The Center for Disease
Control
http://www.cdc.gov/communication/tips/heat.htm
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