By Susan Oderwald
Senior Life
Susan Oderwald
With Memorial Day kicking off the summer season, it is a good time to review the special needs of seniors during the hot weather months.
According to the autumn 2021 edition of Harvard Medical Magazine, more than 80 percent of the 12,000 people who die from heat-related deaths annually are over age 60. During the heat wave in the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2021, the average age of people who died was 70. The article points out that as our population ages and the weather skews hotter, age-related heat deaths are expected to rise.
For the most part, these deaths are avoidable. Those who will be most vulnerable to heat deaths lack air conditioning in their homes, live alone and do not have anyone regularly checking in on them during heat waves. Folks with even mild, functional dementia will be more at risk. It is important that we take note of people in our family, neighborhoods, our circle of friends or fellow church or club members who may be vulnerable and ensure they have support systems to check up on them during any weather-related emergency, including hot weather.
There are several key things to keep top of mind when checking on seniors during hot weather. Perhaps the most important is hydration. Drinking water or other hydrating liquids like juices is key to staving off heat stroke. Also important is avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these work against hydration.
Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. Anyone vulnerable to heat stroke should stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces. Likewise, even if you’re out at cooler times of day, be mindful of activity to ensure your body is able to cool to safe levels. If a senior does not have air conditioning, it is important to go to a cooling center or some other air-conditioned space. Most towns will open cooling centers during extreme heat conditions, but movies, libraries, grocery stores, friends and family are all options. If needed, check into a hotel.
Dressing appropriately is also key. Seniors who are not feeling the heat or have any cognitive impairment may dress inappropriately. That is a key warning sign that someone may be especially vulnerable. Clothing should be lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and light colored to reflect heat. If you see a senior coming out of the house in a dark sweatshirt, they may be in trouble. While not specifically related to hot weather, it is always important for seniors to ensure they are protecting their eyes and skin from sun exposure, as both are more susceptible to damage from the sun as we age.
Finally, seniors take a lot of medications, and medications can have side effects that will make tolerating the heat and sun more difficult. It is important that seniors are aware of any side effects or activities they should avoid in the hot weather because their prescriptions make such activities unwise. Some medications include photosensitivity as a side effect. This is something folks rarely think about.
Regardless of how we avoid heatstroke, it is important that we all know the early warning signs. These include disorientation, dry skin/parched lips, excessive tiredness, headache, lethargy, nausea, flushed face, fever, rapid pulse and dizziness. All of these symptoms are concerning and require immediate attention.
Stay safe this summer and look out for seniors in your family and neighborhood.
Susan Oderwald is care director at the Always Best Care Senior Services Milford Office. She can be reached at Soderwald@abc-seniors.com or 203-877-1377.