Hot weather is more likely to cause health problems in older adults than in younger ones. About 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity every year. And most of them are 50 or older.
Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as younger ones. Just as important, older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.
Heart disease, diabetes and some other diseases that are common among older adults can make it even more likely that they'll have problems when it's hot. So can certain drugs, including water pills, allergy and sinus medications, and drugs for depression and nerve problems.
Staying Safe When It's Hot Outside
Temperatures don't have to be that high to cause health problems in older adults --temperatures in the low 90's can be very dangerous for older people.
Because older adults may not feel hot, even when it's dangerously warm, they and the people who care for them should check the temperature often during the summer. When temperatures hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit, caregivers should check on older adults, and older people:
- Should turn on the air conditioner or go where it's air-conditioned - a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum, or library, for example. (Fans aren't enough.)
- Should Not walk long distances, lift heavy objects, or do other strenuous things.
- Should drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don't contain alcohol or caffeine (these can "dry you out"). Remember: If your urine is a light yellow color, you're drinking enough water. If it's darker yellow, you need to drink more.
- Should take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
- Should wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Clothes made of light-weight cotton are a good choice.
- Should wear hats.
- Should stay out of the sun.
How to Spot and Treat Health Problems Caused by Heat
It's important to recognize when hot weather is making you sick, and to get help. Here's a list of health problems caused by heat, and what you need to know about them:
Dehydration
What it is: A loss of water in your body; this can be deadly.
Warning signs: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.
What to do: Call your doctor or 911. Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and, if possible, "sports drinks" such as Gatorade, which contain important salts called "electrolytes" that your body loses when you're dehydrated.
Heat stroke
What it is: A very dangerous rise in your body temperature; it can be deadly, too.
Warning signs: A body temperature of 103 or higher; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and passing out.
What to do: Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes, drink water or drinks such as Gatorade. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or use cold, wet compresses to help lower your body temperature.
Heat exhaustion
What it is: Illness caused by too much heat and dehydration
Warning signs: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
What to do: Without delay, move to a cool, shady place, and drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water, or drinks such as Gatorade. If you don't feel better fast, call 911.
Heat syncope
What it is: Fainting caused by high temperatures
Warning signs: Dizziness or fainting.
What to do: Lie down and put your feet up, and drink plenty of water and cool fluids such as Gatorade.
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (
www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of roughly 7,000 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.
