Seniors are prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion, as the ability to notice changes in our body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat. Many medications that seniors take can also contribute to dehydration.
A few simple precautions are all that's needed to keep safe, such as:
1. Drinking plenty of liquids - Dehydration is the root of many heat related health problems. Drink plenty of water even if you're not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration.
2. Wearing appropriate clothes - When it's hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day - During periods of extreme heat, the best time to go out and about is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature tends to be cooler.
4. Taking it easy - Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it's very hot.
5. Seeking an air conditioned environment - Seniors without convenient access to any air conditioned place should consider a cool bath or shower to help cool down.
6. Knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness - Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that medical help should be sought immediately.
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