It’s summertime, which means the heat will be with us for a while. Summer isn’t exactly a joyous season for people over 60. The heat and humidity may be suffocating, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both very real issues for anyone, especially seniors. This is definitely a time to be safe and healthy in the sun.
As the temperatures start to rise, it is important to take precautions to stay cool and safe. Seniors are especially at risk of heat-related illness during the summer months. Here are 5 tips to help seniors beat the heat this summer!
1. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that demands prompt treatment. Heatstroke symptoms include hot, dry skin, amnesia, a racing heart rate, and a temperature of above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion is less serious and includes fainting, pale skin, extreme thirst, and a headache. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to get out of the heat and into a cool area immediately.
It is important for seniors to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke because they are more susceptible to them due to age-related changes in the body. The elderly have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so they are more likely to get heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
2. Wear Proper Clothing
Wearing the right clothes in the heat can assist you stay cooler and protect your skin from sunshine. Dark colors are thought to absorb heat. Wear light hues that will reflect the sun’s rays away from you and keep you cooler. To protect yourself against the sun’s harmful radiation, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, as well as sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The heat and humidity may be suffocating, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both very real issues for anyone, especially seniors.
3. Stay Indoors During Extreme Heat
During the summer, keeping your body temperature constant is more difficult. It’s critical to keep your aging loved ones indoors during this time to avoid overheating. If it’s too hot to be outdoors, spend as much time as possible in the air conditioning.
4. Stay cool
In addition to staying inside, make sure that elderly people have access to air conditioning. Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool, but if you don’t have it at home, try to go to a place such as a library or shopping mall. Many elders prefer utilizing fans to keep cool, but they aren’t enough during powerful heat waves. If your loved one is unable to return home due to the weather, consider keeping them with family or friends until it is safe to go back.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Avoid drinks that could dehydrate you, such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sweetened beverages. Although water is one of the best methods to keep hydrated, sports drinks can replenish the electrolytes your body loses through exercise. Drink small quantities of fluids at regular intervals throughout the day, even if you don’t feel like it.
How Avanti Senior Living at Covington Keeps Residents Safe During the Summer
Your elderly relatives don’t have to stay inside during the summer heat. Our care team at Avanti Senior Living at Covington ensures that our residents may safely enjoy the outdoors by giving them plenty of water and shade, as well as keeping track of their activity levels. Our courtyard offers a lovely, tranquil environment for our residents to unwind and relax.
If you have any questions about how we keep our residents safe during the summer months, or if you would like to schedule a tour of our community, please contact us today! We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
