It’s summertime, which means the heat will be with us for a while. The heat and humidity may be suffocating, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both major risks to everyone, especially seniors. This is most certainly a time to be cautious and healthy in the sun, while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
As the temperatures start to rise, it is important to take precautions to stay cool and safe. Seniors are especially at risk of heat-related illness during the summer months. Here are 5 tips to help seniors beat the heat this summer!
1. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially fatal medical condition that requires immediate treatment. Heatstroke is marked by hot, dry skin, amnesia, a fast heartbeat, and a temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion is less severe and causes faintness, white skin, excessive thirst, and a headache. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
It is important for seniors to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke because they are more susceptible to them due to age-related changes in the body. The elderly have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so they are more likely to get heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
2. Wear Proper Clothing
Wearing the appropriate clothing in the heat may assist you to stay cooler and avoid UV damage. Dark colors are known to absorb heat. Wear light-colored, light-weight fabrics that reflect sunlight away from yourself and keep you cooler. To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, as well as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The heat and humidity may be suffocating, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both major risks to everyone, especially seniors.
3. Stay Indoors During Extreme Heat
During the summer, keeping your body temperature constant is more difficult. It’s critical to keep your aging loved ones indoors during this time to avoid overheating. If it’s too hot to be outdoors, spend as much time as possible in the air conditioning.
4. Stay cool
Make sure that older individuals have access to air conditioning, in addition to remaining indoors. Air cooling is the most effective method of cooling down, but if you don’t have it at home, seek refuge at a library or shopping mall. Fans are useful for keeping cool, although they aren’t sufficient on their own when the temperature rises rapidly. If your loved one is unable to leave the house, open windows and set up fans to create a cross breeze.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Avoid drinks that could dehydrate you, such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sweetened beverages. Although water is one of the best methods to keep hydrated, sports drinks can replenish the electrolytes your body loses through exercise. Drink small quantities of fluids at regular intervals throughout the day, even if you don’t feel like it.
Dehydration is also a serious concern during the summer. Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration because they often have chronic medical conditions that require them to take diuretics, which increase urination. They may also not feel thirsty as often as younger people do. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, lightheadedness, and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How Avanti Senior Living at Lafayette Keeps Residents Safe During the Summer
Your elderly loved ones don’t have to stay inside during the summer heat. Avanti Senior Living at Lafayette is aware of your loved one’s needs and ensures that they may safely enjoy the outdoors by providing them with lots of water and shade, as well as monitoring their activity levels. Our courtyard offers a lovely, tranquil escape for our residents, while our expansive walking paths are perfect for those who want to get some exercise. Our team is always available to help your loved ones stay cool and comfortable during the summer months.
If you have any questions about how we keep our residents safe during the summer months, or if you would like to schedule a tour of our community, please contact us today! We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
