Aging Bodies Can’t Take the Heat
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DECATUR — It seems common sense to most people to layer on coats, scarves and hats when the winter winds begin to bite. But many are not as quick to take necessary precautions when outside temperatures reach into the 90s.
The elderly are especially are risk for heat Stress and heatstroke due to the body’s cooling system becoming less efficient with age, said Mike O’Donnell, executive director for the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging Inc.
“It’s always a risk, especially for older adults living alone and taking certain medications,” O’Donnell said. “People most at risk are those with chronic medical conditions and taking medications including diuretic, heart medicine, Diabetes medicine, psychoactive drugs, antihistamines and those controlling High Blood Pressure.”
The early signs of heat-induced illness are confusion, Dizziness and loss of consciousness, O’Donnell said. It’s extremely important that friends and relatives have daily contact with the elderly, especially those who live alone.
“Older adults should ask a friend or relative to check on them twice a day,” he said.
There is a distinct difference between heat Stress and heatstroke. Heatstroke is when the body is no longer able to control its own temperature due to overexposure to direct sunlight, O’Donnell said. A person experiencing heatstroke should be placed in a semi-sitting position in a cool place and doused with water.
Heat Stress, on the other hand, leads to excessive Sweating from spending too long in extreme heat with too little fluid intake. With heat stress, a person should be moved to a cool place and drink a lot of fluid, O’Donnell said. Both conditions should receive immediate medical attention.
“Sometimes people just need to be reminded to take in nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated liquid in the heat,” he said. “Seniors should also limit their activities to the early morning and evening hours. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of going back to the basics. Most older adults are very common-sense people, but if they live by themselves, they can be taken by surprise by the heat,” he said
Cool tips
The Keep Cool Illinois campaign offers tips for seniors to avoid overheating:
* Drink plenty of fluids, remembering that water is best.
* Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned or cool environment.
* Avoid long exposure in the sun.
* Have family, friends and neighbors consistently check to see how seniors are withstanding the heat.
* Never ignore signals such as nausea, Dizziness and fatigue.
* Avoid strenuous activity, especially in the middle of the day.
* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Keep electric lights turned off or turned down.
* Take cool showers or use cool compresses on neck and wrists.
* Call 911 if you or anyone you know needs medical attention.
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