How to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses: Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Heatwaves have caused more deaths in Australia in the past 200 years than any other natural hazard. As the weather starts to warm up in the coming hot summer months, it's important to remember that seniors are more at risk for injuries and illnesses during the summer. Here are the most common heat-related illnesses you should watch out for and some tips to help keep you safe and healthy this season.
What raises the risk of heat-related illnesses for older adults?
With age, the body’s ability to regulate temperature declines. Age-related changes in skin and sweat glands, as well as some medications, can all increase the risk of heat-related illness. It is important for seniors to take extra care when it comes to staying cool during hot weather.
Heat-related illnesses
As the weather gets warmer, it's important to be aware of the increased risk of heat-related illnesses for seniors. Because older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that can make it difficult to regulate their body temperature, they are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses:
Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough water. It can be caused by a variety of factors but is most commonly seen in hot weather when people sweat more than they are able to replace the fluids they have lost. Dehydration can cause a number of symptoms, including thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to serious problems such as heat stroke or kidney damage. To avoid dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids during hot weather, especially water. Sports drinks or fruit juices can also help to replenish electrolytes that are lost through sweating. If you start to feel dehydrated, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Sunburns and skin cancer
Seniors should be cautious when spending time outdoors in the sun. As the temperature rises, so does the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, and it can also damage the DNA in our cells, leading to sun spots and wrinkles. To protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation, it is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of skin, and be sure to reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. In addition to using sunscreen, try to stay in the shade during the midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is a condition that can occur during strenuous activity in hot weather. It is characterized by lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. Heat syncope occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature. This can happen when the body loses too much fluid through sweating, causing the blood vessels to dilate. As a result, blood pressure decreases and blood flow to the brain is reduced. Heat syncope can be prevented by staying hydrated and taking breaks in cooler areas. If you often experience dizziness and fainting in hot weather, you can consider wearing a personal alarm with automatic fall detection so you can get help in case of any emergencies.
Suggested reading: How Fall Detectors Work
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition that can occur when the body is exposed to too much heat. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. The best way to prevent heat exhaustion is to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. If you start to feel any symptoms of heat exhaustion, immediately move to a cooler location and rehydrate with fluids like water or sports drinks. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Heatstroke
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, which makes us more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Seniors are also more likely to take medications that can interfere with the body's ability to sweat, further compromising its ability to regulate temperature. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. If you or a loved one begins to experience the warning signs of heat stroke, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as heatstroke can be fatal.
How can Older People Stay Safe and Healthy in the Summer?
Keep Hydrated
Dehydration is a common problem during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. The recommended daily water intake for seniors is at least eight to ten glasses of water. If your senior loved one is going outside, pack a water bottle to take with them. By increasing your fluid intake in the summer, you will significantly reduce the chances of developing heat-related illnesses.
Reduce Strenuous Physical Activity
Older people should avoid strenuous activities such as gardening, lawn mowing, and other labour-intensive chores and outdoor activities on hot days. If possible, plan to do these tasks in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Protect Skin From Sunburn
Sunburns can be especially harmful to seniors as they can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, even on cloudy days.
Wear Light Clothing
In extreme heat, it's important to include light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing in your summer wardrobe. This will help reflect the sun's rays and keep you cooler. Stay away from tight clothing as it can restrict airflow and make you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Choose to wear breathable fabrics like cotton and linen instead of synthetic materials.
Protect Your Eyes
UV radiation from the sun can cause vision damage over time. Wear sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection when you are outside for extended periods of time. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun.
Find indoor alternatives
If the temperature outside is too hot, try and find some indoor activities such as visiting a museum or going to the movies. This way you can still get out and enjoy yourself without risking heat exhaustion or dehydration.
Eat Foods that Are Healthy and Hydrating
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content can help keep your body hydrated in the warm weather. Foods such as cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, and watermelons are all great options. Eating these foods can also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy.
Bring bug spray and repellents
Insects are more active during the summer months, so it is important to bring bug spray or other repellents when you're outside. These will help keep pesky bugs away and reduce the risk of getting bitten or stung.
Know the Signs of heat stroke
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that can be caused by prolonged exposure to hot weather. Signs of heat stroke include dizziness, confusion, headache, and nausea. Being aware of the signs of heatstroke can help you stay safe and react quickly in case of an emergency.
Check-in With Your Doctor
If you have any unusual symptoms or feel unusually hot, make sure to check in with your doctor right away. Heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburns can occur quickly and require medical treatment.
By following these simple summer health tips, you can help ensure that you or your senior loved ones stay safe and healthy during the summer months.
How can Tunstall help seniors stay safe during the summer?
Tunstall Gem4
The summer heat poses a lot of health risks and health issues for the elderly. From dehydration, fainting, and other heat-related illnesses, the season can only get more challenging as you age and it is even more difficult if you are living independently. One of the best ways to reduce these risks is to wear a personal alarm. A personal alarm like the Tunstall Gem4, which is a wearable pendant that can serve as a fall detector, can help you call for aid if you do fall and are injured, or if you find yourself in a medical emergency.
Tunstall Smartlink Guardian 4G
Tunstall's Home Care products like the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G allow individuals of all ages and capacities to live safely and independently in their own homes no matter the season. Tunstall also provides home alarm systems that are linked to a variety of environmental and activity sensors to create a smart home environment that can support a senior individual's well-being whether they live by themself or with the help of a caregiver.
Learn more by getting in touch with our team today.
