Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
It’s just after Memorial Day and the temperature reading on my garage is 89. I’m trying to contain my enthusiasm for the warmth and to keep a level head. This is a taste of things to come and while we embrace this long-awaited change of season, there are safety concerns when our
older neighbors are involved.
As we age, our bodies cannot regulate temperature the way a younger one can. While early in sun season, it is never too early to be proactive about the heat. It feels a little odd, like I am proving to be an ingrate to Mother Nature who is supplying these perfect days. I’m not officially complaining mind you, but nonetheless, just as with cold, too much of a good thing can be hazardous to your well-being. And heat related illness can be serious.
The National Institute on Aging explains risk factors for heat-related illness:
- Being dehydrated.
- Age-related changes to the skin such as impaired blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
- Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
- High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk. Again, discuss with your doctor.
- Reduced sweating, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
- Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue to take
prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.
- Being substantially overweight or underweight.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages.
Learn more at nia.nih.gov.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not to be taken lightly. Heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body gets too hot, has symptoms such as thirst, confusion, weakness, becoming
uncoordinated and nausea.
If you experience any of these symptoms or you are with an older person who is, these
treatments can provide some relief — showering, bathing or sponging off with cool water, drinking fluids such as water and juice, and lying down to rest, preferably in a cool place.
If you are outside in the sun, find shelter immediately.
While heat exhaustion can be addressed with the above steps, heat stroke is another story.
It can be deadly so immediate medical attention is crucial. The list of possible symptoms includes a body temperature of 104 degrees, headache, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and vomiting.
If you or someone else is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
The key is to prevent and reduce the risks that extreme heat can cause for seniors. It’s
important to talk to primary care providers about your individual risk factors, which might include
some medications you may take.
As we age, our bodies’ ability to release heat, by sweating, is blunted making it particularly dangerous for seniors to stay in very warm environments for long periods of time.
If you have a fan and a squirt bottle, you’ve got a good way to stay cool. Sit in front of the fan and lightly mist your legs and arms. As the water evaporates, your skin will cool down.
And be careful of overdressing. Older people may not feel the heat accurately and consequently
put themselves at risk by wearing too much or inappropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored,
loose fitting garments made of natural fibers are best.
While drinking more liquids is vital to avoiding hyperthermia, check with your healthcare provider before changing your normal routine, especially if you have had limits put on your fluid intake or have been prescribed water pills.
And watch the store sales flyers. Now is the best time to buy an air conditioner. Even a small one for about $125 can make a huge difference. It’s a great investment in your comfort.
Summer is short lived in Maine so enjoy it but be cautious. And remember if it is warm and humid, leave your dog at home. A car can turn deadly in just a few minutes, even with the
windows down.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in
Bangor. Email her at seniorbeat@gmail.com.