Environmental factors can have a profound effect on the health and well-being of aging seniors. Unfortunately, this is something that is often overlooked or underestimated.
If you have an aging loved one who lives in a desert climate where extreme temperatures are constant, it’s important to understand how these elevated temperatures can impact them. Additionally, you should know what options you and your loved ones have to help minimize their risk and improve their overall lifestyle despite the extreme temperature.
For many families, this is where the support of a nursing home or assisted living facility can be invaluable. These facilities offer round-the-clock supervision, regular health monitoring, and recreational, physical, and mental support so your loved one ages in comfort.
At Haven Health, we are committed to addressing senior health in desert climates and providing quality care to your aging loved ones through our state-of-the-art facilities. Get in touch to learn more about how we can serve you.
Find a senior care facility near you when you speak with the team at Haven Health.
What Are Some Common Health Risks for Seniors Living in a Desert Climate?
There are a number of health risks that seniors face when they are living in a desert climate. These health risks arise because of the extreme temperatures, the dry conditions, and, depending on the circumstances, a lack of access to proper hydration and nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at the effects of desert climate on health and what you and your loved ones should know.
The Impact of Desert Climate on Respiratory Conditions in Seniors
A dry and hot environment can impact an individual’s ability to breathe and exacerbate current respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and allergy-related respiratory issues. Seniors with respiratory concerns should take extra caution when outdoors when the temperatures are elevated.
The Impact of a Desert Climate on Medication Efficacy for Seniors
In some instances, a senior’s medication regimen can be impacted because of the heat. Extreme temperatures can alter the effectiveness of medicine, and medications that are not stored in a cool condition or within a specific temperature can be less effective. Additionally, other medicines may require an individual to be well-hydrated in order to be effective. For many seniors living in desert settings, adequate hydration can be a struggle.
If your loved one has a severe chronic respiratory condition, a skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility can ensure their condition is managed appropriately, even in desert climates. Contact the team at Haven Health to learn more.
Related: Benefits of Assisted Living in Arizona’s Climate
How Does Extreme Heat Impact the Aging Process?
Extreme heat and continued exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun can have a significant impact on the aging process. These harmful UV rays break down the DNA in the skin cells and can lead to more serious conditions, such as skin cancer.
Seniors are more likely than younger individuals to get melanoma and suffer fatal consequences because of it. Extreme heat and dryness in the air can also lead to health conditions like eczema, which can play a part in the aging process.
What Are the Benefits of Living in a Desert Climate for Seniors?
Despite the health concerns for seniors who live in a desert climate, there are some benefits. For example, safe exposure to the sun results in higher levels of vitamin D, which can boost overall mood and even energy levels.
What Are the Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses in the Elderly?
One of the biggest concerns for seniors in desert climates is exposure to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s important to understand the symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke so your loved one receives adequate support if they experience these illnesses. Common symptoms of both conditions include:
- Rapid heart rate or heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness, nausea, and headaches
- Fever
- Loss of consciousness
What Precautions Should Seniors Take During Extreme Heat Waves?
Because of the health concerns that arise in seniors who are living in desert climates, there are certain precautions that seniors and their loved ones should take. Below are two of the easiest precautions that can significantly impact an aging individual’s overall health.
Stay Indoors
When the temperatures are at their highest, usually late in the morning or early to mid-afternoon, it’s best to stay indoors and keep cool.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important that seniors stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if they live in a hot climate. Hydration will keep their energy levels up and their body temperature down. Hydration is key for all individuals, especially as they start to age.
What Lifestyle Adjustments Can Seniors Make To Adapt to Desert Living?
Senior health in desert climates should be taken seriously, and some adjustments can be made to help protect their health.
Seniors should keep protected from the sun by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, but remaining active when the temperature cools down during the evening hours. Walking in the early morning before the heat reaches its peak and late in the afternoon when it has cooled can help keep an aging senior engaged in physical activity without worrying about heat conditions.
Additionally, seniors should keep up with their regularly scheduled appointments and visit their primary care provider if concerns about their health and the environment arise.
Lastly, seniors living in desert climates must stay hydrated. Getting into the habit of having a water bottle with them at all times can help.
How Can Seniors Maintain Their Mental Health in Desert Climates?
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The following ideas are some of the best ways seniors can exercise their mental health:
- Work on jigsaw puzzles
- Read
- Engage in a hobby
- Spend time with loved ones
- Learn a new skill
- Engage in arts and crafts
- Do stretching activities and other indoor recreational activities
How Can Family Members Support Their Elderly Loved Ones in a Desert Climate?
If your aging loved one lives in a desert climate, there are many ways you can support them and their health journey. In addition to these desert living tips for seniors, keeping your loved one company, checking in on them regularly, and engaging in the activities they enjoy are all ways you can be there for them and support them when they need it.
If your loved one has a chronic health concern, and the desert climate is exacerbating their symptoms, it may be best to look at the support offered by a skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility. At Haven Health, you can explore all options available to your loved one.
Contact the team at Haven Health to find the best assisted living facility near you.
Sources:
Age-Related Changes in Skin May Contribute to Melanoma Metastases. (2024).
Exercise Plan for Seniors. (2024).
What to Know About Vitamin D Dosage for Older Adults. (2023).