It’s summer, which means the heat will be with us for a while. The heat and humidity may be suffocating, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both serious risks to everyone, especially the elderly. This is certainly a time to be cautious and healthy in the sun while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
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 serious medical problem that needs to be treated right away. Heatstroke is defined by hot, dry skin, amnesia, a rapid heart rate, and a temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion is less severe and causes fainting, white skin (which might be caused by sunburn), excessive thirst, and a headache. If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 right away.
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 appropriate clothing in the heat may assist you to stay cooler and avoid UV damage. Dark colors are known to absorb heat. Wear light-colored, light-weight fabrics that reflect sunlight away from yourself and keep you cooler. To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, as well as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
This is certainly a time to be cautious and healthy in the sun while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
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, older people should have access to air conditioning. Air cooling is the most efficient way to cool down, but if you don’t have it at home, go to a library or mall and seek refuge. Fans are helpful for keeping cool, but they aren’t enough alone when the temperature rises suddenly. Open windows and install fans in order to get a cross breeze going, which will help circulate the air and keep everyone cool.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinks that might dehydrate you include alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sweetened beverages. Although water is one of the greatest ways to stay hydrated, sports drinks can replenish the electrolytes your body loses during exercise. Drink small amounts of fluids at regular intervals throughout the day, even if you don’t feel like it.
Dehydration is also a serious concern during the summer. Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration because they often have chronic medical conditions that require them to take diuretics, which increase urination. They may also not feel thirsty as often as younger people do. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, lightheadedness, dark-colored urine, and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How Avanti Senior Living at Peoria Keeps Residents Safe During the Summer
Your loved ones won’t have to stay inside during the summer heat. Avanti Senior Living at Peoria is aware of your loved one’s needs and ensures that they may safely enjoy the outdoors by providing them with lots of water and shade, as well as monitoring their activity levels. Our courtyard offers a lovely, tranquil escape for our residents, while our pathways are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Avanti Senior Living at Peoria strives to create an environment that is both enjoyable and safe for our residents. We hope these tips will be helpful for you and your loved ones as you enjoy the summer months ahead!
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.
