Therapist Unlimited Blog

Medical experts revealed older adults are at higher risk of health problems if they do not take the proper precautions to protect themselves from the sweltering heat.

Based on a latest medical study it was discovered that some 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity every year, most of them are 50 or older.
The experts explained due to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, that older adults cannot cool down as easily as others can.
To avoid medical complications for senior citizens when temperatures are high here are safety tips they can follow.

A. Use air conditioning in the home or go where it’s air-conditioned — a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum or library, for example. (Fans are not effective enough to adequately cool down the body during intense heat waves.)

B. Drink a lot of water and other clear beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine. A good way to measure if enough fluids are being ingested is to check urine color. If urine is a light yellow color, enough water is being taken into the body. If it is darker yellow, the body needs more water.

C. Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.

D.  Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats.

E. Avoid extended periods of sun exposure.

F. Avoid walking long distances, lifting heavy objects, or other strenuous activities.

G. Avoid below are the most common health problems caused by heat:

H.  Avoid dehydration: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and passing out.

I.  Avoid heat stroke: A body temperature of or above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and passing out.

J.  Avoid heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

Older adults need to cool down during the hot days to avoid any form of health concerns.