Despite being extremely thirsty, your body is already 2% more dehydrated. As a result, your body makes more effort and gets much more exhausted during the heatwave to keep it functioning. The elderly are especially vulnerable to dehydration and temperature changes since their bodies are more fragile.
Let us dive deeper into some of the steps that you can take as a caretaker to keep your elderly loved ones safe and secure during the heat. You can follow certain things to reduce the chances of a heat stroke during times like summer when temperatures can significantly rise.
Some of us like heat and sun exposure is a blessing for a few. However, it can be uncomfortable and damaging to the health of the elderly. Elderly people are more susceptible to its effects than younger people. In the US, researchers have found that heat is responsible for many more deaths, especially among the elderly.
There could be many reasons behind that including pre existing health conditions. Also, with old age come many health vulnerabilities leading to more serious issues such as not being able to breathe properly, extreme headaches, and dizziness. Some of the medications can increase dehydration and wearing warm clothing can make things worse.
Ways to reduce heat stroke in seniors
Who doesn’t love the outdoors? However, it can often get too hot and health-damaging for elderly people. In the summertime, they can still enjoy the outdoors safely, if they take the right precautions. Here are some tips to keep them safe while outdoors.
Stay indoors for exercise
Exhausting activities such as yoga or exercise can be dangerous in the summer in the outdoors. Some parts of the world can get extremely humid during summer such as New York. It can contribute to the lethargic and dehydrating impact of summer. Especially, when you are above a certain age with preexisting health conditions, things can be pretty damaging. Consider exercising in a cool, air-conditioned environment or choosing a low-intensity exercise.
Stay indoors during peak hours
Peak hours mean the time when the sun is right on your face and the heat is at its maximum level. Therefore, when going outside for fresh air, always plan it in the early morning or after 5 PM. The time between those periods may be extremely hot since it is the peak hours of the day, which can get super dangerous for seniors.
Stay updated with the heat index
Even when temperatures do not seem that high, humidity can make it feel much hotter. The heat index shows how the weather really feels, which is why it is so crucial to consider it. Moisture interferes with the body’s ability to cool down when the heat index is high. Therefore, you must always keep a check on your weather application or see the update on tv each morning.
Stay hydrated
To avoid dehydration, one must drink fluids even when they do not feel thirsty. According to doctors, you should drink 8 glasses of water per day. You can also offer smoothies, fresh juices, or other liquids to keep the elderly hydrated if they cannot drink so much water. For hydration, however, stick to water if possible, and do not consume liquids such as alcohol and caffeine.
Pay close attention to the signs
Heat strokes in the summer can be prevented by monitoring your body and taking precautions accordingly. Pay attention to how you feel as the temperature rises. Do you feel dizzy or nauseous? Heat exhaustion can be caused by any of these symptoms of dehydration. Don’t take these signs lightly and contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Find indoor activities
During the summer it is usually cooler inside than outside. When you’re traveling or taking a trip to the mall or just going for a drive, make sure your loved one is kept cool and safe. You can stop by a mall, library, restaurant, or even a public space to get some rest and enjoy the air conditioning. Such public indoor places are mostly air-conditioned which can make it easier for you to stay cool in the summer.
Dress appropriately
The summer heat is attracted to dark, heavy colors when it is warm outside. Keep your clothes loose and in light colors to allow your skin to breathe. Protect yourself from sunstroke by wearing a hat and sunglasses outside. For seniors with health conditions that make them vulnerable to the heat, wearing the right clothes can make all the difference
