Tips for helping Seniors "Beat the Heat"

Summer is an excellent time for seniors to get outdoors and enjoy some activity after a sedentary winter, but this time of year also carries certain health risks that are known to affect senior citizens much more adversely than they do the general public. Heat is an important concern that needs to be considered and addressed by anyone with an elderly family member or friend.

As We Age
The body's natural defenses to heat - the sweat glands and blood flow through the skin - may not function as well for many seniors as they did in younger years, making their bodies less able to regulate heat. Medications may add to the concern as well, since many medications taken by the elderly to control blood pressure and heart disease actually remove fluid and salt from the body. Combine this with with the sweating caused by 90° temperatures and the result is severe dehydration which in turn leads to discomfort, confusion, damage to major organs, and even death.

Avoiding Dehydration
We all know that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water or approximately half our individual bodyweight in fluid ounces to maintain proper hydration. What many people are unaware of is that as we age the thirst mechanism that directs us to consume enough fluid grows weaker. Conditions such as Alzheimer's and other brain disease may also weaken this thirst mechanism even more, as will a previous stroke.

Seniors Living Alone
One of the things that makes heat so dangerous for the elderly is social isolation so it is extraordinarily vital to check in on senior family members during the summertime, make sure their homes are properly ventilated and check that their air conditioners are functioning properly. While you're at it, help them check their medications for heat-related warnings. Most importantly - if your friend or loved one appears confused and disoriented, take them to the doctor or an emergency medical center promptly to have them examined for dehydration and/or heat stroke.

Light Exercise
Additionally, help them take advantage of the summer weather by encouraging light walks and various other forms of easy exercise such as gardening - properly supervised based on the frailty of the individual. Regular exercise helps to lower the blood pressure, improves heart health, builds lean muscle mass and gradually builds endurance, insuring many more happy healthy summers with our family and friends.