According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, seniors are at greater risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. As people age, they are less able to adapt to increasing temperatures. Heat can also exacerbate medical conditions that they may already have.
If an older person has heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or dementia, they are at increased risk of body overheating, also called hyperthermia. Trouble walking can also contribute. There is an increased risk due to dehydration, often caused by medications that older people take. In fact, in some older persons, the sweat glands may not work as effectively, leading to overheating.
What should you look for to check for heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Symptoms can include a rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, lightheadedness, confusion, or disorientation. If you find someone you believe is suffering from the effects of the heat, you should immediately move them to a cool place and call 911. Urge them to lie down and remove any heavy or tight-fitting clothing. Apply cold compresses to the skin and encourage them to drink water as they are able.
Seniors should try to stay in a cool environment whenever there is excessive heat outside. If there is no air conditioning or fans in their residence, they should go to public places with air conditioning, like a senior center, library, shopping mall, or a friend's home.
If an older person has heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or dementia, they are at increased risk of body overheating, also called hyperthermia. Trouble walking can also contribute. There is an increased risk due to dehydration, often caused by medications that older people take. In fact, in some older persons, the sweat glands may not work as effectively, leading to overheating.
What should you look for to check for heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Symptoms can include a rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, lightheadedness, confusion, or disorientation. If you find someone you believe is suffering from the effects of the heat, you should immediately move them to a cool place and call 911. Urge them to lie down and remove any heavy or tight-fitting clothing. Apply cold compresses to the skin and encourage them to drink water as they are able.
Seniors should try to stay in a cool environment whenever there is excessive heat outside. If there is no air conditioning or fans in their residence, they should go to public places with air conditioning, like a senior center, library, shopping mall, or a friend's home.
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