The Best Options for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke and Exhaustion

Hot weather is dangerous for the health, which may be true for seniors. The dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke present a serious issue for the elderly. A recent study revealed forty percent of all fatalities caused by heat in the United States affected seniors above the age of sixty.

Heat Vulnerability

There are many reasons the elderly are more vulnerable to the heat. As seniors age, the temperature of their bodies decreases. A lot of seniors are also managing health condition that makes it more difficult to adapt to the excessive heat. The medication seniors are taking may also add to the dehydration. There are simple precautions that can be taken to keep the elderly much safer. If you are unable to take care of your senior loved one, consider professional Home Care. Bethlehem families can reach out to a reliable home care agency to hire live-in caregivers. The most important of these guidelines are detailed below.

Drinking Liquids

Most health problems related to the heat can be caused by dehydration. It is important to drink a lot of juice and water even if a thirst is not present. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should be avoided because these can make the dehydration worse.

Wearing Light Clothes

There is an old saying that it is not the weather that is bad, but the clothes. When it is hot dark colors should be avoided. The clothing should be light in color or weight and fit loosely. A hat with a wide brim is always a good idea to wear in the summer.

Avoiding Hottest Hours

The hottest period of the day is in the middle of the afternoon. Seniors should remain inside during this period. The best time to be outside or run errands is before ten in the morning or after six at night. The temperature is a lot cooler during these times.

Avoiding Strenuous Activity

Everyone should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and exercise when the temperatures are high. This is especially true for the elderly because it may lead to heat stroke.

Watching the Heat Index

The body is unable to cool properly through sweating when the humidity levels are high. The heat index takes temperatures and index factors into account to approximate the way the weather actually feels. All of the popular weather websites can show the current heat index. This is also available on weather reports on the radio and is announced on local television when there are periods of hot or very warm weather. Watching the heat index is extremely important.

Installing Air Conditioning

Any seniors living in homes without air conditioning should find a place to go when the temperatures are high that have air conditioning. Some of the most popular options are movie theatres, libraries, and malls. A lot of cities will set up cooling centers during heat waves. These are public places with air conditioning where vulnerable populations including seniors can go. If seniors do not have access to a place with air conditioning, a cool shower or bath are both options.

If seniors need help going to the supermarket or at home, consider hiring a Bethlehem home care provider on an hourly basis.

Miller John is a fun, adventure loving and professional blogger. He is a story teller and loves to help others find a better way to live. Currently he works with Home Care Assistance of Bethlehem