Protecting the Elderly From Summertime Heat

The lazy, hazy days of summer aren't always healthy for older people. High heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the most serious, heatstroke. Many people, mostly the elderly and very young, die of heat-related illnesses during very hot weather. Check on them regularly to be sure they're cool and drinking enough fluids.

People at the highest risk are those who:

• Are over age 50.
• Live in homes without air conditioning or good air circulation. Temperatures don't have to hit 100 degrees F for heat-related illness to strike.
• Have health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart, lung or kidney diseases.
• Take medicines that may make it harder for the body to cool itself by perspiring. These include diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and some heart and blood pressure medicines.
• Take several drugs for different health problems. (Don't stop taking these prescriptions, but ask a doctor if the drugs can make you become overheated.)
• Are very overweight or underweight.
• Drink alcoholic beverages.

Preventing heat illness

• Drink liquids all day, even before you get thirsty. Have at least eight glasses of water - more when it's hot. If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor about drinking extra water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which increase fluid loss.
• Open windows at night for cross-ventilation.
• Close curtains, shades or blinds during the hottest part of the day.
• Try to spend at least two hours during the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned place, such as a mall, library, senior center or friend's house.
• Watch weather reports. Risks increase with high temperatures, humidity and air pollution alerts.
• Dress in cool, natural fabrics, like cotton. Light-colored clothes reflect sun and heat better than dark colors.
• Avoid exercise and too much activity when it is hot.

Heat-related conditions

• Heat cramps. Symptoms of heat cramps include muscle pains or spasms of the arms, legs or stomach. The heart rate is usually normal and the skin is moist and cool.
  

  Get out of the heat into a cool place and put your feet up. Try having a sports drink with sodium and other electrolytes.

• Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can't cool itself. Symptoms are thirst, dizziness, weakness, poor coordination, nausea and sweating. Your body temperature stays normal, but your skin feels cold and clammy. Your pulse can be normal or raised.
  

  If you have heat exhaustion, rest in a cool place, drink plenty of fluids and take a cool shower or sponge bath. If you don't feel better, seek medical care right away. This condition can turn into heatstroke.

• Heatstroke is an emergency, and can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away. Symptoms include:
  • Fainting
  • Body temperature over 104 degrees F
  • Change in behavior - confusion, grouchiness, acting strangely
  • Dry, flushed skin
  • Strong, rapid pulse or slow, weak pulse
  • Not sweating, despite the heat; acting delirious; staggering or falling into a coma.

Related Articles Heat Too Hot to Handle? Hot-Weather Health Threats

External Sources National Institute on Aging. Hyperthermia: too hot for your health. Accessed July 11, 2007. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. How to lower the risk of heat-related illnesses. Accessed July 12, 2007.

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