Senior Citizens at Risk During Excessive Heat

With high temperatures common in and around Duluth these days, certain sectors of the population are more at risk than others. Senior citizens fall into this group.

According to the Better Business Bureau, elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.

• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.

• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

The BBB and the Centers For Disease Control issued the following heat-related issues to watch for, and tips on how to protect senior citizens during the summer months when temperatures can reach triple digits. 

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Warning signs vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion -
Warning signs vary but may include the following:

• Heavy sweating

• Paleness

• Muscle Cramps

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fainting

• Skin: may be cool and moist

• Pulse rate: fast and weak

• Breathing: fast and shallow
 

What You Can Do to Help Protect Elderly Relatives and Neighbors

If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress:

• Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Tell them to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level. Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.

• Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.

• Let them know that wearing loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and light colors will reflect the sun. Darker colors will tend to attract heat.

• Encourage seniors to wear hats, sunscreen of 30 SPF and sunglasses.

• Advise them of the dangers of going out when the temperature is extreme. 

• If seniors need transportation, and don’t drive or have a car, tell them to call a taxi or a friend.  The place they do not need to be is waiting in the sun for a bus.

• If you know of a senior citizen who cannot leave their home and who does not have air conditioning, gently remind them to take a bath or shower to lower their body temperature on days where it is extremely hot. What You Can Do for Someone With Heat Stress
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person.

Do the following:

• Get the person to a shady area.

• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–102°F

• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

• Do not give the person alcohol to drink.

• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Do you know anyone that has suffered from heat-related problems?