Heat Safety for Older Adults
A frequently overlooked form of extreme weather that could result in severe consequences is heat. According to the National Weather Service, an average of 138 people were killed due to excessive heat in the United States every year from 1990 to 2019, allowing extreme heat to become the weather-related hazard with the highest mortality rate in America.
In particular, individuals aged 65 and older are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. For one, bodily functions deteriorate naturally with age, so older adults are less capable of responding appropriately to internal and external stimuli and stressors, such as a decrease in the body’s capacity to dissipate heat. Those with pre-existing health and/or medical conditions may also be taking prescription medicines that interfere with the body’s temperature regulation system, and extreme heat can also aggravate these pre-existing conditions and lead to worsened symptoms.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to excessive heat may lead to hyperthermia, a group of ailments that result from one’s body temperature being significantly above normal. Hyperthermia symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Dehydration — A common symptom of heat exposure, dehydration is when there is a significant loss of water from the body. Warning signs include physical weakness, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out. Drink plenty of water and drinks that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade, that assist with heartbeat regulation. If you have cardiovascular medical conditions or take diuretics (water pills), be sure to check with your healthcare provider to ensure no severe consequences ensue.
Heat stroke — Heat strokes are dangerous rises in body temperature that can occur gradually over several days of extreme heat exposure. Warning signs include fainting, body temperature of 104ºF (40ºC) or higher, change of behavior—confusion, agitation, being grouchy—dry and flushed skin, and excessive sweating. Heat strokes are medical emergencies and 911 should be called immediately. While waiting for medical professionals to arrive, move the individual to a cool spot and use water to lower their body temperature. See if they can safely intake water or sports drinks while waiting.
Heat syncope — Sudden bouts of dizziness and unconsciousness that may happen when you are active in hot weather. Those who take beta blockers (a type of heart medication) or are not used to hot weather are especially prone to heat syncopes. If you feel faint, lie down in a cool place, put up your legs, and drink water until the dizziness goes away.
Heat exhaustion — This is a signal that your body is experiencing too much heat and dehydration and can no longer maintain normal body temperatures, which may develop into a heat stroke if not treated. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, nausea, heavy or no sweating, fainting, muscle cramps, cold or clammy skin, and body temperatures between 98.6ºF (37ºC) and 104ºF (40ºC). If you experience any of the above symptoms, rest in a cool place and intake plenty of fluids. If symptoms do not lessen after a while, get medical care as soon as possible.
The good news is heat damage can be prevented easily. Here are some simple steps to combat hot weather:
Decrease direct exposure to the sun
Keep your house cool by limiting use of heat-emitting utilities like the oven
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, sports drinks
Consume fruit and vegetable juices
Stay away from alcohol and caffeine
Shelter in public places that have air conditioning, such as the local library, senior centers, the shopping mall, or a friend’s house