Heat Stroke Danger in Older Adults

It's amazing how much cooler it is in the shade. Thank goodness for shade trees and big buildings. Hot August days and nights are good days for sitting outside in the shade, sipping water or lemonade, and reminiscing of earlier days. Take heat stroke danger seriously and stay cool! Heat stroke is deadly Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can cause death in many cases. Older adults are less able to sense changes in temperature and their bodies can’t adjust as well. Chronic medical conditions and common medications, such as beta blockers, also change how the body responds to heat. All these factors make heat stroke a common danger for older adults during hot weather. Here are 6 tips to prevent and treat symptoms of heat illness.

1. Understand your older adult’s medical situation

• Check with your older adult’s doctor to see if their medications or treatments, like diuretics or low-salt diets, could affect they way their bodies regulate temperature.
• Ask if there are special ways you should respond if you see signs of heat illness. For example, sports drinks or lots of water might be harmful for some people.

2. Daily basics

• Drink water throughout the day. A body that’s hydrated feels cooler and regulates temperature better. Avoid water that’s too cold, it may cause cramps.
• Wear as little clothing as possible and make it as light and loose as possible.

3. Keep the house cool

• Because heat rises, avoid the upper floors of the house. Lower floors such as the ground floor or basement will be cooler.
• Keep the house as cool as possible. These inexpensive solar curtains can really block out sun and heat.
• Get an inexpensive indoor air conditioning unit. Sometimes you can find good values on websites like Craigslist. Also, here are a few new options.

4. Where to go if the house is too hot

• Relative or friend’s house that’s cool or has air conditioning
• Coffee shop or restaurant with air conditioning
• Shopping mall with air conditioning
• Public library with air conditioning

5. Special warning

• Beware of using electric fans, they trick the body into thinking it’s cooler than it actually is and can do more harm than good.
• The US Center for Disease Control recommends electric fans only when the temperature is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, use an air conditioner to cool down.

6. Identify symptoms and quickly treat heat stroke

• We love this one-page handout from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Print it out and keep it nearby.
• In case your older adult shows signs of heat illness, use the handout to evaluate symptoms and respond immediately.
• If your older adult is showing signs of heat illness, always call 911 or their doctor to get professional medical attention as soon as possible.

By Connie Chow, Contributing Writer and Founder of DailyCaringImage: Pet Rush