The Dangers of Heat Stroke / Warning Signs and Safety Precautions

Heat waves in the summer are always a grim reminder of how dangerous and deadly Mother Nature can be—especially for seniors.

That’s because certain factors such as medication side effects and underlying conditions common among seniors can greatly increase the threat posed by extreme heat—and dramatically worsen the consequences of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. 

It’s easy to take for granted that our bodies can regulate our body temperatures and adjust to sudden, unexpected surges in heat. But for seniors, that’s not always the case. Not only can they have a harder time adjusting to big changes in temperature; but they can also find it more difficult to notice body signals that they’re getting too hot or dehydrated.

Some of those signals can look like other, pre-existing conditions. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea—symptoms that many people may misinterpret as caused by something else. The problem is that those symptoms—when ignored—can lead to fatal heat stroke. 

While heat stroke is a real threat to seniors, it can be easily mitigated through a few simple safety precautions.

• Stay hydrated Dehydration aggravates heat exhaustion. Encourage your loved one or senior to drink a lot of fluids and minimize caffeine on hot days. Encourage your loved one to stay hydrated!
• Take it easy and stay indoors One of the simplest ways to prevent heat stroke is to avoid outside or strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Wear appropriate summer clothing and take steps to prevent sunburn Loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable clothing can help the body mitigate excess heat, and wearing a hat or applying sunscreen when going outdoors—even for short periods—can help lessen the risk of heat stroke by minimizing sunburns. 
• Pay special attention to any side effects of daily medicines Many medicines will impact the body’s ability to stay hydrated or regulate temperature. Check if your loved one or senior is taking medications like that, and help them be extra careful on hot days!

Heat stroke is serious—especially during big heat waves in the summer months—but it is preventable. A few easy safety precautions can go a long way to keeping even the hottest summer days safe, comfortable, and joyful.