Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke are known to be dangerous for everyone, but older adults are at heightened risk and are likely to suffer more drastic health consequences if those close to them, whether that be family members, friends, or caregivers, are not vigilant.
Healthy aging scholar and gerontologist Li-Mei Chen specializes in the health and well-being of older adults, and how caregivers and systems can better support them. Chen, assistant professor of social work at George Mason University’s College of Public Health, answers pressing questions on how to keep older adults safe in extreme heat, offering actionable preventive measures key to protection from heat exposure.
Why are heat-related illnesses particularly dangerous for older adults?
Failing to understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening. Compared to younger people, older adults require more water for the body to function properly, such as producing sweat to cool the body. Furthermore, older adults are less sensitive to thirst and will forgo drinking water as often as they should. Also, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, which can be exacerbated by extreme heat.
How do common heat-related illnesses manifest differently among seniors?
Heat-related illnesses can manifest differently in older adults. People aged 60 years and older and individuals with obesity, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or long-standing diabetes are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Aging and chronic diseases may impair the body’s ability to regulate core body temperature in hot conditions.
Additionally, personal circumstances contribute to an increased risk of heat-related illness. Older adults who are unable to leave their homes, lack contact with other people, experience severe mental illness, poverty, and decreased mobility face even greater risk.
What are some early warning signs to look out for?
Early signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, redness in the face, excessive sweating, muscle pain, and leg cramps. As the symptoms worsen, older adults may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakened consciousness, and high body temperature.
If you are with someone showing signs of heat-related illness, remove them from direct sunlight, such as to under the shade of a tree, and try to relocate them to a cooler environment. Placing cold wet clothes on the forehead and neck can help alleviate symptoms and bring body temperature down. If symptoms are not improving, call 911 so medical professionals can render care.
Top 10 tips to keep older adults safe and healthy in extreme heat:
- Check the weather before going out.
- Ensure any venue is older adult-friendly with access to sitting areas and places to escape the heat periodically.
- Hydrate! Take small sips of water regularly, even if not thirsty.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat.
- Dress in breathable, lightweight clothing.
- Monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
- Adjust air conditioning as needed to keep indoor spaces cool.
- Keep furniture away from direct sunlight.
- Have a plan in place in case of emergency with family, friends, and neighbors, and be prepared to take action.
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