Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults

With the arrival of summer, high temperatures and suffocating humidity are already a constant in our day-to-day lives. This long-awaited time of year is synonymous with vacations, the beach and other activities that help us break the monotony, but it is also synonymous with heat strokes and much danger for the elderly.

We must not forget that these extreme weather conditions can be harmful for older people. Therefore, knowing some tips and indications to deal with more than possible heat waves is very necessary. Bellow, David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home owner, shares some valuable tips on how older adults can deal easier with the heat.

 

Why are older people vulnerable to heat?

As David Berkowitz, President of Aperion Care explains, one of the main causes that answers this question is that from the age of 65, people tend to lose the sensation of heat and thirst. So hydration and prevention are neglected, and you are more likely to suffer from heat stroke, for not taking the proper precautions.

In addition, on many occasions, the symptoms of these heat strokes go unnoticed within the pathologies associated with age and own physical deterioration (tiredness, fatigue, weakness, etc.), so it is overlooked and its effects become very dangerous.

In summer, it is very important to pay attention to older people to avoid the harmful effects of heat.

Tips to prevent heat stroke in older people

It is very important, to avoid unnecessary scares, to follow some recommendations that will help to avoid the heat strokes so present in summer.

Constantly hydrate

The most important rule to follow, according to David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home is always drink plenty of water. Even if you are not thirsty, you have to drink liquids (water, soft drinks, juices, etc.) regularly to get your body temperature regulated.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Especially in older adults, it is very important not to be in the sun for a long time. The hottest and most humid hours of the day should be avoided at all cost.

Do not eat large meals

It is important not to have very heavy digestions, since they increase the body temperature. David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home recommends eating salads, vegetables, fruits, and other light meals that must be very frequent in summer.

Wear light and fresh clothes

Make sure you wear comfortable clothing that allows good breathability and that the heat does not remain impregnated in the body.

Stay in well-ventilated and cool rooms

Have the blinds down, or the curtains, to prevent the sun from increasing the temperature of the place.

Shower regularly

It is the best way to cool off quickly and regulate our body temperature.

Accompaniment, the greatest confidence

In summer, especially, it is very important to pay attention to older people to avoid the effects of heat that are so dangerous to their health. Paying attention to the elderly, so that they comply with the advice outlined above, by David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home, is as important as or more important than following the instructions.

For this reason, if you or a family member cannot be with your loved one, it is convenient to make sure that, despite this, your elder will always be with the best care to prevent blows and the effects of heat. A caregiver, with experience and references in dealing with older people, may be the most suitable solution so that summer is a time without any complications.