Staying Safe During Hot Summer Days: A Guide for Seniors
Did you know that seniors are vulnerable to heat strokes and other heat related illnesses? As we age, our body’s ability to regulate temperature reduces due to various factors, such as less subcutaneous fat and slower circulation. For this reason, staying safe during hot summer days is especially important for seniors. Here are 10 essential tips to help seniors stay safe and healthy.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. If you are a caretaker, be sure to set reminders for your loved one or set up a hydration station somewhere in a common area so water is easily accessible.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can protect your face and eyes from the sun.
Seek Shade and Cool Places: Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you must be outside, find shaded areas or use umbrellas.
Use Fans and Air Conditioning: Keep your living environment cool with fans or air conditioning. If air conditioning isn’t available, consider visiting a local community center, shopping mall, or library.
Limit Physical Activity: Reduce or avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours. If you need to exercise, do so early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
Take Cool Showers or Baths: Use cool water to help lower your body temperature.
Check on Others: Keep in touch with family, friends, or neighbors, especially those who live alone or have health issues to make sure they are following these essential tips and staying safe.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness: Be aware of symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or confusion. These are symptoms of heat exhaustion. If you experience any of these symptoms be sure to seek medical attention. If not attended to, this may quickly progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Heat Syncope is feeling faint or dizzy in the heat. If you take a heart medication called beta blockers, you may be more likely to experience this symptom. Heat Edema is swelling in your feet and ankles from heat. Elevate your legs to help reduce the swelling; if that does not help be sure to let your doctor know. Heat Rash is a skin irritation from heavy sweating. It forms red clusters of small blisters that look similar to pimples on the skin. Your skin may feel itchy or a tingling pain. Keep this area dry by using powder to sooth the rash.
Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Have contact information for healthcare providers and local emergency services easily accessible.
Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburns.
In addition to understanding these essential tips, we are thankful that our loving adult family home is equipped with Air Conditioning to keep our residents cool and comfortable during these hot summer days! If you need an excuse to escape the heat during these summer days, stop by to say hello and tour our home. Call us any time to ask questions or book a tour at: 425-224-6359 .
I invite you to learn more about our home and our Services here: https://www.holisticwellnesshomes.com/services
Not sure what an Adult Family Home is and what to expect? Visit our FAQ page for more details: https://www.holisticwellnesshomes.com/faqs
Source used for this content: National Institute on Aging