It’s summertime and that means hot weather is here to stay for a while. Not surprisingly, summertime can be a difficult time for seniors. The heat and humidity can be oppressive, and ait’s easy to become dehydrated or suffer a heat stroke. This is definitely a time when they need to be especially careful about staying safe and healthy in the heat.
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
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Hot, dry skin, amnesia, a racing heart rate, and a temperature of at least 104 degrees are all indicators of heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is less severe and includes fainting, pale skin, extreme thirst, and a headache. If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone else, 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
Tension and stress are two of the biggest roadblocks to personal development. If you don’t address your stress, it can contribute to aaIt is important to wear proper clothing in the heat because it can help you stay cooler and protect your skin from the sun. Dark colors are believed to absorb heat. Wear light colors that will bounce the sun’s rays away from you and keep you cooler. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, as well as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful radiation by keeping your body ventilated.dditional stress and even physical and mental illnesses. When you’re calm, you operate more effectively, and life appears to be simpler to handle.
The heat and humidity can be oppressive, and it’s easy to become dehydrated or suffer a heat stroke.
3. Stay Indoors During Extreme HeatStay Indoors During Extreme Heat
It’s more challenging to maintain your body temperature steady during the summer months. It’s essential to keep your elderly loved ones indoors during this period to prevent overheating. If it’s too hot to be outside, stay in the air conditioning as much as possible.
4. Stay cool
In addition to staying inside, make sure that elderly people have access to air conditioning. Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool, but if you don’t have it at home, try to go to a place such as a library or shopping mall. Many elders prefer utilizing fans to keep cool, but they aren’t enough during powerful heat waves. If your loved one is unable to return home due to the weather, consider keeping them with family or friends until it is safe to go back.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Nothing is more essential than staying hydrated throughout the hot summer months. Avoid drinks that might dehydrate you, such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sweetened beverages. Although water is one of the best ways to keep hydrated, sports drinks can provide the electrolytes your body loses through sweating. Drink small amounts of fluids frequently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
How Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines Keeps Residents Safe During the Summer
The summer heat does not have to keep your elderly loved ones indoors. At Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines, our care team ensures that residents can safely enjoy the outdoors by providing them with plenty of water and shade, as well as monitoring their activity levels. Our courtyard provides a beautiful, serene setting for residents to relax and enjoy the summer weather. Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our residents!
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.
