Summer is one of the most enjoyable times of year for many of us, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Temperatures can rise very high, and climate change is pushing summers to be longer and hotter than they have been in the past. Extremely high temperatures can lead to conditions such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke. These conditions, particularly heat stroke, can become very dangerous and can cause illness and death. Those who are especially at risk for heat-related illnesses are people who spend a lot of time outside (such as construction workers or athletes), people in poor health, babies and young children, and older adults. Of the approximately 12,000 people who die of heat-related illnesses each year, about 80% are over the age of 60.
Older adults are more at-risk for heat-related illness due to factors that are common in aging. These include being more likely to have medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease or diabetes; taking medications that may make it harder for the body to cool itself (such as diuretics, sedatives, or blood pressure medications); having a physical or cognitive impairment that can make it hard to tell if they are overheated or dehydrated; and changes in their skin that make it harder to cool off. Those who are on fixed incomes or who are low income may not have easy access to air conditioning or fans.
If you work with older adults, some common signs of heat stroke to be aware of include:
· High body temperature (103F or higher)
· Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
· A fast heart rate
· Headache, dizziness, nausea, and/or confusion
· Losing consciousness
If someone experiences these symptoms, move them to a cooler place and call 911 immediately. You can attempt to bring down their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until help arrives. To help prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses in older adults you work with, you can remind them to drink plenty of water and to wear light, loose clothing; help them stay on the lowest level of their house where it is coolest; and if they do not have air conditioning, finding a place where they can go to stay cool on hot days, such as a library, senior center, or a coffee shop or restaurant.