Summer is a great time of year to soak up some sun, and keep active outdoors. However, for aging seniors, summer time can bring added health concerns. The heat can cause aging-related physical changes, chronic health conditions, and even side effects of taking some medications.
During these hotter months, it’s important that seniors are reminded to take extra precautions, and loved ones should be aware of what to look for in seniors’ health conditions.
In some cases, family members might need to take extra steps to make sure their senior loved ones are safe and cared for. Here are some summer health concerns to look out for:
Heat Safety
Beating the heat is the most obvious concern. For seniors over 50 years old, severe heat can negatively affect their health. Seniors should stay out of the sun until evening hours when the sun begins to set.
Especially around noon when UV rays are strongest, it is safe to avoid the sun and enjoy indoor activities. This can mean walking at an indoor mall, seeing a movie, or maybe going on a spa day.
If your senior is living on their own, here are some reminders to discuss with them to keep them safe from the heat.
Air Conditioning
Seniors might not realize how hot it is when temperatures inside the home begin to rise. Furthermore, seniors’ body temperatures are likely to change with aging. Remind them to turn on the air conditioning.
Show your loved one how to use the air conditioner and set timers throughout the day so that the temperature adjusts to the heat.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids throughout the day is critical. Make sure seniors are fully stocked with what they need–water bottles, juice, etc, so they don’t run out of anything to drink. Remember: coffee, tea, and alcohol can be dehydrating.
Dress For The Weather
Seniors often feel cool in the air conditioning and might wear longer pants or sleeves. Remind them to change their clothes when leaving the house to outdoors. They’ll need to wear lighter and more appropriate clothing to avoid feeling uncomfortable and the heat.
Know The Signs Of Hyperthermia
During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures — a condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia, and the condition can be life-threatening.
Make sure to know the signs of hyperthermia and get medical attention if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:
- Shivering, which may stop as hypothermia progresses (shivering is actually a good sign that a person’s heat regulation systems are still active. )
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Confusion and memory loss
- Drowsiness or exhaustion
- Slurred or mumbled speech
- Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
- A slow, weak pulse
- In severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse
Keeping Active
Keeping active is encouraged, but seniors need to be careful and smart about their activity choice in the summer. It’s important to keep track of time and not stay out too long in the heat. Seniors should be drinking more water throughout the day, especially if they are out in the heat.
If it’s a scorching hot day, a long walk in the heat wouldn’t be a good idea–instead, suggest the pool or even a relaxed day indoors reading or doing puzzles.
Talk To Your Doctor
Seniors should talk to their doctors if they are on any medications. Once the temperatures rise, some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature (about 78 degrees Fahrenheit).
Get To Know The Neighbors
Knowing your neighbors is a good way to stay friendly but also have someone nearby you can trust. For aging seniors, it’s a good idea to get to know who’s around you in case of emergency.
For family members, it’s also a good idea to know which neighbors your senior is friendly with. Give them your contact information so they can call you in case of emergency.
Neighbors are also the perfect people who can drop in and make sure seniors are doing ok in the extreme heat.
Summer Fun
Summer is a fun time of year, and there’s no reason seniors can’t enjoy the season and participate in all the activities. It’s important however, that seniors follow the tips above to make sure they are in good health conditions.
If you’re concerned about your loved one this summer, make sure you take some extra care and talk to people who are also in their lives.
Take turns with another family member or a neighbor who can check on them, give them a call, or stop by to make sure whether they need anything. Taking these steps can help set everyone up for a successful summer.
