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Keep it Cool with Hot Weather Advice for Older People
Older people are at high risk for developing heated-related illness because the
ability to respond to summer heat is less efficient with advancing years.
Fortunately, the summer can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses
good, sound judgment and learns about preventive measures as described in the
National Institute on Aging’s
AgePage on Hyperthermia.
Heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in
the heat), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are all forms of “hyperthermia,” the
general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may include
headache, nausea, muscle spasms, and fatigue after exposure to heat. If you
suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:
 | Get the victim out of the sun and into a cool place - preferably one that
is air-conditioned.
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| Offer fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit and vegetable
juices are best.
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| Encourage the individual to shower or bathe, or sponge off with cool
water.
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| Urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place. |
Heat stroke is especially dangerous for older
people and requires emergency medical attention. A person with heat stroke has a
body temperature above 104° and may have symptoms such as confusion,
combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry
flushed skin, lack of sweating, possible delirium or coma.
The temperature does not have to hit 100° for a person to be at risk for
hyperthermia. Both an individual’s general health and/or lifestyle may increase
the threat of a heat-related illness. Health factors, which may increase risk
include:
| Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, and changes in the skin caused
by the normal aging process.
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| Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes
general weakness or fever.
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| High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For
example, people on salt restricted diets may increase their risk. However,
salt pills should not be used without first asking a consulting doctor.
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| The inability to perspire caused by medications including diuretics,
sedatives and tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
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| Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to
continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a
physician.
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| Being substantially overweight or underweight.
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| Drinking alcoholic beverages. |
Lifestyle factors also can increase risk, including extremely hot living
quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and
not understanding weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at
special risk, should stay indoors on especially hot and humid days, particularly
when there is an air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air
conditioners should go to shopping malls, movie houses, and libraries. Friends
or relatives might be asked to supply transportation on particularly hot days.
Many communities, area agencies, religious groups, and senior citizen centers
also provide such services.
The NIA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National
Institutes of Health. The NIA is the lead federal agency supporting and
conducting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and training related to
aging and the diseases and special needs of older people.
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