Tips to Keep Seniors Cool in Hot Weather
It's no surprise that seniors are at risk for heat stroke during hot weather. Seniors need to be more careful of overheating and heat stroke because their bodies can’t adjust to high temperatures as well as younger bodies can (and older adults are more likely to be dehydrated, which increases their risk).
Why seniors are more vulnerable to heat
In hot weather, it’s best for older adults to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities because:
Their bodies don’t adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature
Chronic medical conditions can change their body responses to heat
Prescription medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or could actually prevent sweating
In fact, 36% of heat-related deaths in the U.S. were among people over age 65, according to a CDC report.
To keep seniors safe and comfortable, we’ve rounded up 10 practical, senior-friendly ways to help them stay cool indoor
10 ways for seniors to stay cool in hot weather
Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day (don’t wait until they feel thirsty) and avoid alcohol and caffeine
Eat cooling snacks like homemade popsicles (Tip: catch drips with a cupcake liner), frozen peas, or slightly frozen grapes
Eat light, cold meals like chicken or pasta salad instead of heavy, hot dishes like pot roast
Place a cool washcloth on the back of the neck and a pan of cool water close by to periodically re-cool the towel
Sit with feet in a pan of cool (but not too cold) water
Keep the house as cool as possible by keeping shades closed during the hottest part of the day and using inexpensive mylar solar curtains
Wear layers of lightweight clothing in light colored cotton so it’s easy to adjust to the temperature throughout the day by removing or adding layers
Visit a public cooling center like a recreation center, senior center, library, coffee shop, or shopping mall
Take a cool shower, bath, or washcloth wipe-down. For maximum cooling, keep the water just below body temperature.
Cover up with a flexible ice blanket – always use a towel to protect fragile senior skin from direct contact with the ice
If you're thinking it's time to hire a caregiver in Rockford, IL then give Compassionate Care Services a call today and let us help set you up with the perfect In-Home Senior Caregiver in Rockford, IL.
Source: https://dailycaring.com/10-tips-to-keep-seniors-cool-in-hot-weather/
