Everyone is experiencing record-breaking temperatures this summer across Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Shelbyville, Kentucky. This makes it challenging to maintain your active lifestyle in the hot, muggy air, for elderly persons in particular. For those over 65, these temperature extremes can pose severe safety concerns.
When subjected to high heat indices, the elderly in Sacramento-Placer could face complications. These include heat exhaustion, cramps, rashes, sunburn, and even heat stroke. Besides, elderly individuals who keep an active lifestyle during the summer months encounter obstacles from the heat. It makes the most dedicated and active elderly feel lethargic and sluggish.
How Hot Summers Affect the Elderly Loved Ones
When they are active in the summer months, the elderly may develop abrupt dizziness (heat syncope). They are significantly more prone to experience dizziness if they receive a cardiac prescription or are non-acclimated to hot temperatures. To combat this, they should lie down in a cool environment, raise their legs, and drink plenty of water.
Senior citizens occasionally endure excruciating stomach, arm, or leg muscular stiffening (heat cramps). These can result from exertion or hard work. The skin may feel damp and chilly, although the body temperature and heartbeat are more often unaffected by heat cramps. Additionally, as it gets warmer, the elderly also experience swelling in their feet and ankles.
Elderly persons can develop heat exhaustion during the hot summer months. It can cause them to feel unsteady, dehydrated, faint, and nauseous. (They might sweat excessively.) Although their body temperature may remain normal, their skin may feel clammy and chilly. However, some even experience a fast heartbeat.
At their worst, your elderly dear one could experience heat strokes, particularly if they live in houses and flats without fans or air conditioning. This experience is the same for people who become dehydrated, those who have chronic illnesses, and alcoholics.
How the Elderly Can Manage Intense Summer Heat
Elderly family members should stay inside air-conditioned premises, dress lightly, and drink plenty of water to preserve themselves from the relentless summer heat. Regrettably, given that older persons frequently have poor circulation and are more susceptible to getting chilly, this is harder than it sounds. Even when it's sweltering outside, it's not unusual for an elderly person to go for a jacket or switch on the heat in the house.
Another major issue is dehydration. Because the body's normal thirst trigger weakens with aging, many elderly individuals persistently dehydrate no matter the season. Besides, elderly people frequently choose coffee and soda over water. (Water is always the best choice, although beverages with a lot of sugar and caffeine may include some fluids.)
Some seniors grumble when it is cold inside. They adjust the thermostat gradually and take a seat away from the ventilation. Those who want to leave the house sit outside in a shaded area next to a box fan or under a ceiling fan. Besides that, they tend to shut the blinds or curtains on the east side in the morning and the west side in the afternoon to keep their apartment cooler.
They also prefer to spend a little time in a cool, air-conditioned setting, such as a library, mall, senior center, or theater, when there are no air conditioners or don't appreciate using them. However, most of them are unaware that spending just two or three hours every day in the air conditioning can substantially lower the risk of developing heat-related illnesses.
How Caregivers Help Keep Senior Family Members Safe During the Sweltering Summer Days
In order to limit sun exposure and heat, caregivers schedule outdoor activities for early morning or after the sun has set. And, because the elderly are more susceptible to heat, caregivers can lower the risk of them overheating by restricting the time they spend outside.
To prevent dehydration, caregivers advise your elderly dear one to drink plenty of water. They understand the ideal drink to consume is water, and doctors advise staying away from hot beverages like tea, coffee, alcohol, or even some carbonated beverages. The caregiver may sample a decaffeinated iced coffee, should your elderly dear one prefer hot coffee.
Caregivers in Sacramento-Placer also assist your loved ones in dressing appropriately for summer, even if they spend time indoors. They advocate that the elderly wear free-flowing, light-weight natural fabrics since they are more breathable and less limiting.
The Takeaway
Our primary aim at Senior Helpers Sacramento-Placer is to provide a decent standard of living for our clients and their families by providing individualized, trustworthy, and cost-effective care. This includes those with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic conditions. We also offer companion care for elders searching for support with everyday routines. For a comprehensive in-home evaluation, get in touch with us today.