The global rise in temperatures is fueling more frequent and intense heat waves. Prolonged or extreme heat poses health risks for everyone, but older adults are especially vulnerable. With advancing age and possible underlying health conditions, the body's ability to cope with heat declines, making it critical to understand both the risks and preventive steps.
According to experts cited by Harvard Health Publishing, recognising the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness is particularly important for older adults. Dr Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the Mass General Center for the Environment and Health, emphasises that seniors may experience trouble at lower temperatures, sometimes even before official heat alerts are issued.
Why are older adults more vulnerable?
As people age, the body undergoes changes that make it harder to handle high heat or sudden shifts in temperature. Some key reasons include:
Reduced ability to sweat: The body's natural cooling system becomes less efficient.
Slower physiological responses: The body may not trigger thirst or detect overheating quickly.
Chronic health conditions: Heart, lung, kidney disease, and diabetes all affect heat response.
Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with hydration and temperature regulation.
Together, these factors increase the risk of heat-related illness during prolonged hot weather.
What is heat-related illness?
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer cool itself effectively. These range from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies:
Heat rash: Small red or dark bumps caused by excessive sweating, often in skin folds.
Heat cramps: Painful spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs after exertion in hot weather.
Heat exhaustion: A serious condition marked by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache.
Heat stroke: The most dangerous condition, with a body temperature rising above 103°F, confusion, loss of consciousness, and risk of organ damage. This is a medical emergency.
What to do if warning signs appear
Heat rash: Stay cool and dry, wear loose cotton clothing, and apply calamine or mild corticosteroid cream.
Heat cramps: Stop activity, rest in a cool place, and drink water or a sports drink. Seek medical help if cramps persist.
Heat exhaustion: Move to a cool space, loosen clothing, sip water, and apply cool cloths or take a bath. Get medical help if vomiting occurs, symptoms worsen, or last longer than an hour.
Heat stroke: Call for professional help immediately. Move the person to a cooler space and try to lower body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Do not give fluids.
Tips to beat the hot weather
1. Dress smartly: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
2. Track weather conditions: Follow local forecasts and heat index updates, and avoid going out during peak heat hours.
3. Find cool spaces: If air conditioning isn't available, visit malls, libraries, or community cooling centres. Even a few hours can help.
4. Use hand-fans: Always carry a hand-fan when going outside.
The bottom line
Older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions or on certain medications, should develop a personal hot weather plan in consultation with their healthcare provider. With preparation and awareness, the risks of extreme heat can be greatly reduced.
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