It’s summertime, which means the heat will be with us for some time. The heat and humidity may be stifling, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both serious risks for anybody. This is most definitely a time to be cautious and healthy in the sun, especially for seniors.
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 fatal medical condition that requires prompt treatment. Hot, dry skin, amnesia, a fast heart rate, and a temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit are all signs of heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is less serious and causes fainting, pale skin, extreme thirst, and a headache. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 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 correct attire in the heat may help you keep cooler and avoid sun damage. Dark colors are known to absorb heat. Wear light colors and fabrics that reflect sunlight away from you and keep you cooler. Wear loose-fitting cotton apparel, as well as sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
The heat and humidity may be stifling, and dehydration or a heat stroke are both serious risks for anybody.
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
Make sure that elderly people have access to air conditioning in addition to remaining inside. Air cooling is the greatest method to stay cool, but if you don’t have it at home, seek shelter at a library or shopping mall. Fans are useful for keeping cool, but they aren’t sufficient when the temperature rises dramatically. If your loved one is unable to leave the house, open all of the windows and position fans to create a cross breeze.
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 Flower Mound 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 Flower Mound make certain that our residents may safely enjoy the outdoors by providing them with lots of water and shade, as well as monitoring their activity levels. Our courtyard provides a beautiful, peaceful place for our residents to unwind and relax, while our walking paths are perfect for a little exercise.
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.
