Seniors (people over the age of 65) tend to be more sensitive to heat than younger people are. One of the biggest reasons for this is that they’re more prone to having a chronic illness which affects how their body responds to the heat. Even the prescription medications that are prescribed for these illnesses will have an impact. Of course, this is only one of the reasons why you’ll want to pay attention to these tips for seniors.
Important Tips for Seniors in Warm Weather
The University of Chicago Medical Center conducted a study in which they discovered that 40% of heat-related fatalities involved seniors. This is why these tips for seniors are so important for anyone who wants to spend their days outdoors.
Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Seniors should wear clothes that are loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored along with a wide-brimmed hat. If they plan to be in the air conditioning sometimes they should bring a sweater instead of wearing a long sleeve shirt because you can take it off.
Stay Indoors Throughout the Middle of the Day
One of the tips for seniors that seniors should do their best to heed is to remain indoors from 10 AM – 2 PM when the sun is the most intense. However, it’s important to understand that temperatures may continue to rise until as late as 6 PM at night. This is why outdoor activities should be planned early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Otherwise, it’s important to make sure to dress appropriately.
Keep Hydrated
Although you may frequently hear or see reminders to remain hydrated some people ignore these types of tips for seniors. However, it’s important for seniors to take this warning seriously even if they don’t feel thirsty because dehydration will have a huge impact on how you react to extreme heat. Becoming dehydrated will make you feel weak, dizzy, or light-headed. By drinking throughout the day you won’t feel this way. Remember, this doesn’t include drinking alcohol or caffeine because they can also make you dehydrated.
Remember to Watch the Heat Index
Your smartphone should have an app that will tell you about the weather outside. It’s important to pay attention to this app while you’re out and about so that the temperature and air quality don’t quickly and unexpectedly sneak up on you. To keep this from happening make sure you occasionally check your phone to see what both the temperature and the humidity level are. When there’s a lot of moisture in the air it’ll become more difficult for your body to remain cool. Another one of the important tips for seniors here is that when you see this happening they should get indoors or find some shade to cool off in.
Know What Heat Stroke Is
Make sure you know what the warning signs of heatstroke are. It’s important to catch these things while they’re mild – at which point it’s known simply as heat exhaustion. Fortunately, symptoms develop slowly here. This doesn’t mean you won’t need to seek medical attention but typically it can be “cured” by drinking plenty of cool fluids while resting in the air conditioning. However, once you develop heat stroke it’s important to seek medical attention because it can result in death if left untreated.
Conclusion
Seniors living in Florida understand how hot and humid it is throughout the summertime. They also understand that good hearing plays an important role here as well. This is why they have their hearing checked on a routine basis by Countryside Hearing Aid Services in Clearwater & Pinellas County. You should too.
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