Elderly people are especially at risk of extreme heat. The majority of heat-related deaths in the United States occur among people over the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTherefore, these individuals need to be especially vigilant in rising temperatures.
Dr. Basil Eldada, director of geriatrics and clinical gerontology at the National Institute of Aging, states that with age, the ability to dilate blood vessels and cool the body diminishes. In addition, if someone already has other medical problems, the ability to handle stressors such as heat can be further impaired, said the chairman of the Geriatrics Department at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. One Dr. Sharon A. Branman said.
“The addition of these medical problems and heat can create a situation where the body cannot handle it,” she said.
Dr. Branman said older people dealing with fever-related illnesses may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or hot flushes, as well as nausea and confusion. The pulse may rise or weaken, and the skin may feel dry and hot to the touch.
“If you have dark skin, it can look darker than normal,” she said. “If you have light skin, your face may turn red or pink.”
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Other symptoms of heat-related illnesses include cramps, swollen feet, and rashes, Dr. Eldada said.
Symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), fainting, confusion, lack of sweating, and low heart rate.
Elderly people who experience any of these symptoms when it is hot should be treated immediately.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, older people should avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and stay in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. According to Dr. Eldada, this is especially true on hot and humid days, when sweating reduces the cooling effect.
If your house doesn’t have air conditioning, lower the sunshade, use a fan to blow air, take a shower to keep you cool, dress loosely, and stay healthy, even if you’re healthy. “It’s not time to go out and mow the lawn,” said Dr. Brahman.
Also, refrain from alcohol, sweet drinks, and caffeine that can cause dehydration. And, of course, you should drink plenty of water.
It is also important to note that fever can interact with certain medications. For example, people with heart disease who are taking diuretics may be at risk of dehydration, Dr. Branman said. Talk to your doctor to see if you need to adjust any of the medications you are taking when it’s hot.
Caregivers play a particularly important role in preventing heat-related illnesses in the elderly they care for.
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Check in frequently and make sure that the living space of the people you care for is temperate. Do not blow up the air conditioner as you may be concerned about the opposite problem, hypothermia.
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If you can’t keep your space cool enough, consider moving your loved one to a cooling center. It’s a mall, a library, or another cool place.
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If necessary, sponge the caregiver with cold water to make sure the clothes are loose.
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Encourage those who care for you to drink plenty of water.
“People with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may not understand when they are thirsty, or they may not know how to quench their thirst or drink.” “Therefore, additional supervision is needed to ensure that you are getting enough hydration.”
Best of all, caregivers need to be vigilant and ready to act quickly. It can take up to 10 minutes for your body temperature to reach dangerous levels. If someone in your care has symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and go to the hospital immediately.