Extreme heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for infants and older adults. Nearly 120,000 people in the U.S. went to the emergency room due to heat-related issues in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Check out these tips from AARP to understand more about how heat can affect older adults and how to prevent heat-related illnesses.
How Heat Impacts Older Adults
Our bodies deal with heat differently as we age. Body heat may not dissipate for older adults as well as it does for younger people. Older adults tend to have more chronic health issues and may also take medications that affect their body’s ability to manage heat.
It’s important to be able to cool down. Heat exhaustion can happen when you’re not able to cool yourself down. Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and weak, rapid pulse can be signs of heat exhaustion, which can result in heatstroke if untreated. Heatstroke can cause long-term organ damage or even death.
Medications Can Impact How You Handle Heat
The main way our bodies cool off is by sweating, but sweat glands become less effective as we age. Certain medications, like antihistamines, can also interfere with how you sweat or handle heat. Some antidepressants and blood pressure medications can affect how the body cools itself.
Your body also increases blood flow to your skin to push heat away, which means your heart works harder. For individuals with heart disease, this can strain the heart. There’s an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias during heat events.
Being dehydrated is another risk factor. Your body needs fluid to produce sweat. Staying hydrated also keeps cells and organs functioning. Chronic conditions like kidney disease and diabetes can be worsened by dehydration.
Prevent Heat Injuries
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Check the weather, including humidity and the heat forecast. When the weather is around the mid-80s and humid, preventative measures become essential.
Stay well hydrated. Consider snacking on fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe to increase your hydration level. Keep a fan around to help you cool off on hot days. Taking a cool shower or bath can also help you cool down.
Speak with your healthcare providers about any medications you’re taking and how heat may impact you. Have a backup plan in case your air conditioning or power goes out during a heat wave. Libraries, community centers, grocery stores, and other spaces can be good backup options to help you stay out of the heat.
Watch out for warning signs of heat-related illness. Look out for confusion and slurred speech, which are signs that warrant a trip to the emergency room.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
