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12 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
By Gillian Kruse, Freelance Writer - July 2018
The summertime is a time of fun and relaxation for most people. But for seniors, the heat and sun can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. Here are some great tips from senior care consultants that aging adults, as well as their caregivers, can use to make sure they have a fun, safe summer.
1. Stay Hydrated
Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people because they lose their ability to conserve water as they age. They can also become less aware of their thirst and have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes. Remember to drink water often, and be sure to pack some for those long summer drives. Dr. William Greenough, of Johns Hopkins Geriatric Center, says caregivers should make sure seniors are drinking sweat replacement products (that contain salt and potassium) to replace water they lose during the summer, especially in hot and humid cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Williamsburg.
2. Talk to Your Doctor
Check with your medical team to make sure any medications you are on won't be affected by higher temperatures — especially if you don't have air conditioning in your home. Some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature (about 78 degrees Fahrenheit), and the last thing anyone wants is for a preventable medical condition to become aggravated due to high temperatures.
3. Keep Your Cool
Even small increases in temperature can shorten the life expectancy for seniors who are coping with chronic medical conditions, say senior care services experts. Shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries provide welcome, cool spaces if a senior’s own home isn’t air-conditioned. They also afford a great opportunity to get out of the house and get some exercise without the exhaustion of the heat. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to inquire if there are any programs to assist seniors with fewer resources to get air conditioners. "Seniors are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature," says Dr. Lubna Javed, formerly of HealthCare Partners Medical Group in Las Vegas. "Some chronic medical conditions and prescription medications can impair the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature."
4. Stay in Touch
High temperatures can be life-threatening, so communication plays an important role in ensuring the safety of aging adults. Seniors should let friends and family know if they'll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if they're only gardening. "Caregivers should check on the health and welfare of their loved ones at least twice a day," Javed says.
5. Meet Your Neighbors
Get in touch with those who live in your neighborhood and learn a bit about them and their schedules. If you're a senior, see if a younger neighbor — perhaps even one of their kids — can come by and check on you occasionally to make sure everything is all right. The extra company and friendship that can result is a bonus!
6. Know Who to Call
Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy-to-access area. This way, the right people can be called to help quickly preventing any further issues or preventing medical problems from getting worse.
>> Fill out this Senior Care Emergency Checklist.
7. Wear the Right Stuff
Everyone, including seniors, should dress for the weather, say senior care consultants. When it's warm out, some people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Stock your summer wardrobe with light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler and more comfortable.
8. Protect Your Eyes
Vision loss can be common among seniors, and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve your vision.
9. Know the Risks of Hyperthermia
During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures — a condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening, say senior care services experts. Make sure to know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:
- Body temperature greater than 104 degrees
- A change in behavior, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy
- Dry, flushed skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse
- Not sweating, even if it's hot out
- Fainting
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