How Seniors Can Protect Themselves From Heat-Related Illnesses

Ideally, seniors can retire and enjoy a relaxing lifestyle, pursuing their interests. However, older adults, unfortunately, are more likely to suffer from severe health issues, including chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.

Since older adults are often affected by severe health issues, Arizona seniors must understand how the environment affects senior wellness and the risks of heat-related illnesses. Perhaps you or a senior family member resides independently in Arizona or are thinking of moving to an assisted living facility. Maybe you or your loved one already reside at an Arizona nursing home. All Arizona seniors benefit from learning about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

What Are Heat-Related Illnesses, and How Do They Affect Seniors?

You can experience several symptoms from exposure to heat, such as dehydration. However, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are heat-related illnesses that can severely jeopardize your health.

Without prompt, appropriate intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke must be treated immediately. Without intervention, heatstroke can cause permanent organ damage or death.

Why Are Seniors More Vulnerable to Heat-Related Illnesses?

Aging affects how the human body functions. It’s more difficult for older adults to regulate their temperature, which increases the risk of overheating and developing hyperthermia.

It’s harder for older adults to produce sweat. Sweating is one of the key symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and because older adults produce less sweat, they may not realize they’re suffering from a heat-related illness right away.

Are There Specific Medications or Health Conditions That Increase Heat Risks for Seniors?

There are health conditions and medications that increase heat risks in older adults.

Health Conditions

Many health conditions increase the health risks for older adults exposed to extreme heat, including the following:

Seniors are more likely to have poor circulation, and those with poor circulation who are exposed to heat are more likely to suffer from muscle cramps, swelling, and inflammation.
Heart, lung, and kidney disease are chronic health issues that increase the health risks from exposure to heat. Those with heart disease have a greater risk of developing blood clots and dehydration.
Breathing dry air can exacerbate conditions such as asthma.
Since dehydration prevents kidneys from functioning properly, those with kidney disease may suffer kidney damage when exposed to extreme heat.

Medications

Seniors with hypertension may be prescribed thiazide diuretics. Diuretics decrease thirst, preventing people from staying hydrated when exposed to heat and increasing their risks of heat-related illnesses. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as Benazepril and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), also prevent people from feeling thirsty.

Antipsychotics, such as quetiapine and clozapine, are commonly prescribed for dementia. These medications can prevent the body from regulating its temperature, making it easier for seniors to overheat. Anticholinergic medications, such as Benadryl and Tylenol PM, can also interfere with temperature regulation.

Older adults should discuss the potential side effects of any medications they are prescribed and ensure they understand how the medications may increase their risks of heat-related illnesses.

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Older adults can protect their health by familiarizing themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion in seniors and understanding how to prevent or treat it.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

Arm cramps
Dizziness
Excessive sweating
Excessive thirst
Fast heartbeat
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Heat rash
Leg cramps
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Weakness

Symptoms of heatstroke include the following:

Confusion
Excessive sweating or hot, dry skin
Extremely high temperature
Flushed skin
Headache
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Rapid breathing
Seizures

How Can Seniors Stay Cool During Extreme Heat?

The best ways for seniors to stay cool during a heatwave involve establishing effective senior heat safety habits.

Avoid diuretics: Coffee and tea can make it harder to stay hydrated because they prompt your body to produce urine and reduce fluid levels.
Eat hydrating fruits and vegetables: Consuming fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of water helps keep you hydrated.
Keep hydrated: Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and take a water bottle with you when you go outdoors.
Stay indoors or in the shade: Staying indoors in a climate-controlled environment effectively prevents overheating. If you are outdoors during extreme heat, stay in the shade.
Wear a hat: Keep your head covered to help your body regulate temperature and avoid overheating.
Wear light clothes: Wear breathable fabrics and choose light colors that don’t attract and retain heat.

What Should Seniors Avoid Doing During Heatwaves?

Seniors should avoid spending extended periods outdoors during a heatwave. It’s best to stay indoors in a climate-controlled building. Haven Health has designed our assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in Arizona to protect residents from extreme temperatures.

It’s also a good idea to close your curtains and avoid exposure to sunlight when indoors, so you can effectively regulate the temperature indoors and your body temperature.

How Can Seniors Safely Exercise or Spend Time Outdoors During Summer?

Moving to an assisted living facility helps ensure your safety when exercising or spending time outside during Arizona’s hot summer months. The expert staff at our facilities monitor residents to ensure their safety. We have staff who lead exercise programs indoors and outdoors and ensure those exercising outdoors have access to shade and drinking water.

Older adults can also enjoy time outdoors during the summer if they go outside early in the morning or later at night when the temperatures are lower.

When Should Seniors Seek Medical Attention for Heat-Related Symptoms?

Seniors exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion should seek medical care. Without intervention, there’s a greater chance seniors will develop heatstroke and suffer permanent damage to their health.

What Should Caregivers Do To Protect Seniors From Heat-Related Illnesses?

Caregiver strategies to protect seniors from extreme heat include strategic programming.

Arizona’s assisted living facility staff can plan outings to indoor venues with air conditioning. Facility staff can also ensure residents have hats and water bottles to help regulate their body temperature and hydration levels.

What Are the Best Hydration Tips for Seniors in Hot Weather?

The most effective elderly hydration tips to stay cool are:

Carry a water bottle with you
Drink water regularly
Eat foods that boost hydration levels, such as fruits and vegetables
Avoid diuretics

Haven Health Can Help Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

Haven Health is committed to providing exceptional care for all our residents’ needs. Our skilled nursing team provides expert medical care and ensures that those with short-term health issues receive the therapeutic services and medical care required to restore their health. We also provide exceptional personal care, opportunities to socialize, and engaging activities tailored to our residents’ interests. Call us today to discover why Haven Health is the best choice for senior care in Arizona.

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