The dog days of summer are upon us, so that means it’s time to take steps to protect elderly family members, neighbors and friends.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elderly people (age 65 and over), are more prone to heat stress then younger people for several reasons:
• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Older people are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Heat exhaustion can occur outdoors as well as indoors. Symptoms may vary but can include clammy skin, a weak rapid pulse, shallow breaths, contracted muscles and a body temperature of up to 103 degrees. If you are seeing these symptoms, and suspect heat exhaustion, it is best to contact your doctor.
So, how can we protect our elderly loved ones from heat stress?
• Turn on the air conditioner in seniors’ apartments. If that’s not an option, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off. In the case of a neighbor, offer to provide transportation.
• Tell older friends and relatives to drink plenty of water, even if they don’t feel particularly thirsty. (Check with a doctor about increased fluid intake just to be safe.) Avoid beverages with caffeine.
• Wear light-weight clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Check on older people who have heart problems, poor circulation, allergies or long conditions. Medications for these illnesses can enhance their vulnerability to heat stress.
• Have seniors wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when going outdoors.
By increasing our awareness of heat stress in seniors, and making sensible choices, our seniors can enjoy the “dog days of summer.”
For more information on keeping seniors safe during the summer months, or on Senior Living choices, please contact Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa. Our phone number is 661-254-9933.