When summer comes around, seniors like to enjoy activities outdoors. However, the heat is more dangerous for the elderly, as they have a higher chance of becoming too hot very quickly due to their body not regulating heat as well as it used to. Therefore, it is important for seniors and their caregivers to take precautions to prevent heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia. We will go over various tips on how your senior loved one can stay cool and enjoy the outdoors safely, as well as how to recognize the signs of hyperthermia and how to react if you or your loved one experiences it.

Since seniors have a more difficult time regulating body temperature, they don’t sweat as much and can dehydrate easily, and they may not even know it. At times, seniors may experience heat stroke or hyperthermia which can damage their brain, heart, and kidneys and in extreme cases, even result in death.

It is very easy to prevent heat stroke if the caretaker or the senior themselves take the proper precautions. They should always have a plan in place before they go outside into hot weather.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent heat stroke:

• Always turn on the air conditioning in your loved one’s home if possible. If that option is not available, keep the curtains closed when the sun is shining on that side of the home and use fans. If none of these options are available, take the senior to an air-conditioned public space such as a cooling center or a mall.
• It is very important for seniors to stay hydrated when temperatures are extreme. Caregivers should remind seniors to drink lots of water or carry a bottle around with them, so they have easy access to it. They can also stay hydrated by consuming watery fruits, vegetables, ice pops, and even juice.
• If your senior loved one is taking diuretics, it is important to adjust their consumption of fluid accordingly. They should avoid caffeine in the forms of coffee, tea, or soda as well as alcohol as they can dehydrate them.
• Seniors should make sure that they dress for the weather conditions. The items they wear should be light colored and loose to help keep them cool.
• Seniors themselves or their caregivers can help them stay cool by using a damp washcloth to dampen their face, neck, arms, and hands. Also, they can mist water from a spray bottle to stay refreshed if they are sitting around a fan.
• Seniors should not spend time outdoors between 11am to 3pm as that is when it is hottest out. They should wait for the temperature to cool before spending time outdoors.
• Seniors should always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 or higher to prevent burns.
• If you have an elderly neighbor or friend, make sure to check in on them when it is extremely hot out.

Sometimes the weather is so hot it may keep seniors from the outdoors. However, there are many great activities that are fun and can be enjoyed indoors while staying cool.

Here are a few examples:

• Visiting a museum with grandkids
• Going shopping in a mall with loved ones
• Water aerobics
• Visiting a senior center
• Dining indoors

But, if your senior loved one enjoys activities outdoors such as swimming, taking the grandkids to the water parks, picnicking with their loved ones, hiking, or any other activities, they should be aware that hyperthermia can happen at any time and they should try to take precautions to prevent it, and know how to react in case it happens.

Recognizing the symptoms of hyperthermia is important.

Here are some common symptoms that can be seen with this condition:

• Swollen ankles and feet
• Dizziness
• Cramping of the legs, arms, or stomach
• Nausea
• Extreme sweating

Usually, we sweat when it is too warm so that the surface of our skin can cool and keep us comfortable. However, for the elderly, that process may not work as well due to medications, pre-existing conditions, being overweight, low salt diet, or ingesting too much alcohol or caffeine.

Heat stroke or hyperthermia is highly preventable. Therefore, it is important for seniors and their caregivers to follow the above-mentioned guidelines when it comes to hot temperatures so that they can enjoy activities outside while staying safe.

Are you or a loved one in need of senior care? Assisting Hands of Forth Worth, TX can help. We offer elderly home care services to seniors who have chosen to age in place. Our highly trained caregivers will make sure to provide top-notch care to your loved ones. For more information on our senior care services, give us a call at (817) 646-2970.