Summer brings warm, inviting weather that people of all ages can enjoy, including seniors. However, older adults are more vulnerable to health risks caused by excessive heat. To ensure their well-being, caregivers should encourage seniors to follow essential summer safety tips.
How Does Summer Heat Affect Seniors?
Seniors are prone to heat-related illnesses, primarily due to age-related physiological changes. Chronic medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and kidney disease, put the elderly at risk for health problems and sometimes even death when the summer temperatures soar.
Some medications change how aging bodies sweat and control internal temperature. Drugs that are known to cause issues when seniors are exposed to high heat include diuretics, tranquilizers, and sedatives. Seniors’ bodies struggle to cool down due to some heart and high blood pressure medications.
Temperatures that exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit should prompt caregivers and their aging loved ones to take precautions. Practicing summer safety tips prevents the elderly from illnesses, such as heat syncope, heat cramps, heat edema, and heat rash. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are also possible in summer.
What Are Summer Safety Tips for Seniors?
1. Check the Weather
Seniors can take steps to lower their risk of developing heat-related illnesses. The first tip is to check the weather to plan for days out. Temperatures feel differently depending on the heat index—which considers humidity levels as well as air temperature.
2. Plan Outdoor Activities
The sun is at its hottest during midday. Older adults who aim to prevent heat-related conditions are urged to plan their outdoor activities early in the day or when the sun sets. This prevents aging individuals from the threats of direct sun exposure and high midday temperatures.
3. Turn on the AC
Air conditioning can be a lifesaver under scorching summer temperatures. If a unit is not available at home, seniors should go to places with air conditioning. Walk indoors at the mall, visit a library to read, or make a trip to the senior center to meet up with friends.
When excursions are not possible, keep the home as cool as possible. Avoid cooking during the day, when temperatures are at their highest. Close blinds and curtains around midday, too. Turn on fans and open the windows at night to invite cool, fresh air into the home.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of beverages, such as water, teas, and fruit or vegetable juices. Beverages that contain electrolytes are recommended to stay healthy in summer. Avoid sipping drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, both of which cause the aging body to lose water through frequent urination.
5. Dress for Summer
The elderly should dress appropriately for summer weather. Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitted. Opt for cotton fabrics, which may feel cooler than synthetic versions. Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for further protection from the sun.
6. Apply Sunscreen
Seniors who expect to be out and about on summer days must wear sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like SPF-15 or higher, and reapply it over the course of the day. If sunburn occurs, stay out of the sun until the skin heals, applying cool washcloths to treat the area.
7. Plan Travels Carefully
Hot weather affects health, no matter to which destination the senior travels. Especially when heading to hot locales, check that the hotel is air conditioned and offers access to cool areas. Keep plenty of water and snacks on hand during the journey to stay hydrated and energized.
8. Review Medications
As mentioned, some medications cause effects, like increased sensitivity to UV rays. Visit the doctor to review and adjust any medications that may cause potential issues as a result of heat exposure. A physician can also advise on whether existing drugs are likely to lead to overheating or sunburns.
9. Avoid Outdoor Exercise
While staying fit through exercise is healthy, avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors when the temperatures are high. Instead, stay active indoors. Seniors with access to an indoor pool might try water walking. Or perform tai chi and yoga inside a cool home.
10. Be Aware of Symptoms
Seniors who recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses can act quickly to prevent worsening health. Heat stroke leads to a body temperature of above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and is accompanied by a rapid pulse, nausea, dizziness, confusion or a loss of consciousness.
Heat exhaustion causes symptoms, like heavy sweating, weakness, and muscle cramps. The elderly should also be vigilant for warning signs of dehydration, which occurs when the body loses fluids; symptoms include dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, and confusion. Heat cramps cause muscle spasms.
Elder Care from Assisting Hands
Summer offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. However, older adults should practice caution to avoid heat-related ailments. If they need extra support, the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care can be of invaluable service. We promote the safety and health of seniors with compassionate elder care.
Caregivers play a vital role in supporting seniors with daily tasks, ensuring their comfort and well-being. From assisting with bathing, toileting, and dressing to selecting weather-appropriate clothing to keep them cool on hot days, we prioritize their safety and comfort. Our services also include grocery shopping, preparing balanced meals, and offering beverages throughout the day to keep seniors healthy and hydrated.
If your loved one needs to consult a doctor about medications that could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, we provide safe transportation and escort services to medical appointments. Our caregivers also offer timely medication reminders, handle light housekeeping, and assess the home to minimize fall risks.
Beyond physical care, we focus on emotional well-being. Our compassionate caregivers offer companionship to help seniors avoid boredom, loneliness, and isolation. We are licensed, bonded, and insured to provide peace of mind, and trained in CPR so we’re prepared to respond to emergencies like heat strokes or exhaustion.
This summer, ensure your aging loved one stays safe from the heat. Choose Assisting Hands Home Care to be a dependable source of support. We serve seniors in Schaumburg, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Des Plaines, Illinois, in summer and every season. Call at (847) 448-0844 to schedule your free in-home consultation today to learn more about quality senior home care.
