Hot Weather Safety for Seniors

Summer heat waves are a particular danger for senior citizens. It is hard to stay cool and safe without air conditioning, but for many people, especially senior citizens, hot weather can be very dangerous and even deadly.

One of the most crucial things for seniors to do during very hot weather is to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water but stay away from diet drinks, coffee, tea and alcohol as these dehydrate the body. Drinks with electrolytes are especially important. Eating water-rich foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes also supply extra fluid. Fruit slushies are also good for hydration. Try to eat as normally as you can, but eat more cold foods, salads and fruits.

Seniors who are on fluid restrictions or have epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver disease or have problems with fluid retention, should consult their physician before increasing their fluid intake.

Individuals on medications, especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics (these are nerve-blocking medications used to treat a variety of disorders such as gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasm, asthma, motion sickness, muscular spasms and other disorders) and those with weight problems or alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions during extremely hot weather.

An important thing to remember is to slow down. You should curtail your strenuous activities and reschedule them when the weather is cooler. Choose very early in the morning before 7:00 am if you must do strenuous activities.

Cooling showers and baths can help keep your temperature down but avoid a cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures as it can result in hypothermia, especially for elderly people. Splash your face and the back of your neck with cold water several times a day. Wear a loose, damp cotton cloth or scarf on the back of your neck and keep refreshing it in cold water throughout the day.

Stay indoors as much as possible and if air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor (level) of your home. The basement is usually the coolest place of all.

Keep as much heat as possible outside your home by putting aluminum foil-covered cardboard in the windows and skylights to reflect the heat back outside. If you do not have air conditioning, use circulating fans to keep the air moving inside your home. Try placing cool, damp towels over your body with a fan blowing directly on you.

Open the windows at night at opposite ends of rooms to let the cool air into the house and promote air flow. Close off rooms that you are not using. Keep as many lights off as possible. The bulbs emit heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing.

The American Red Cross reports that there are three types of heat related illness to be aware of:

Heat Stroke, also known as "sun stroke," is life-threatening. Symptoms to look for are dry or hot red skin, changes in consciousness, vomiting and hot body temperature. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink. CALL 9-1-1.

Heat Exhaustion, which comes from strenuous exercise or physical labor, is shown when the person's face is pale or flushed, there is heavy sweating, nausea, and/or dizziness. If someone you know is exhausted, has a headache or is exhibiting these signs, move them to a cool place and call 9-1-1. Apply cool, wet cloths, fan the person and give them small amounts of cool water to drink slowly. Heat Cramps are muscular cramps in the legs or abdomen that signal the body has lost electrolytes and fluids due to exposure to high heat and humidity.

Source: American Red Cross American Red Cross reports that there are three types of heat related illness to be aware of: