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Don't Forget Your Umbrella! Here Are Heat Wave Safety Tips For Elderly

Don't Forget Your Umbrella! Here Are Heat Wave Safety Tips For Elderly

MATA Press
MATA Press
-September 6, 2024

Image source: pexels.com/rdne


Why Heat Wave Safety Tips For Elderly Matters

Compared to the younger generations, the elderly already lose most of their immune and makes them more susceptible to weather changes, especially heatstroke due to heatwaves. Therefore, they may need to have extra care to stay safe. 


Tips for the Elderly on Fighting Heatwave 

  1. Stay Hydrated: The daily suggestion is to drink 2L of water every day, and during a heat wave, it’s best to drink at least 1L more to make up for the missing moisture.
  2. Stay Indoors: Unless it’s highly necessary, you should avoid leaving the house and be under the sun, especially when it’s hot out there.
  3. Dress Appropriately: While you can dress what you like, during a heatwave, you should wear lightweight clothes in a light color that can absorb sweat and dry easily. 
  4. Cool House: The shortcut to keep your house cool is by installing fans or even an air conditioner in the largest room in the house, but you also can prepare by having a house design that allows a lot of air to go through. 
  5. Avoid Too Much Exercise: While power yoga is fun, it’s not great to have during a heat wave since you will lose a lot more moisture.  
  6. Watch Your Food: Keeping a balanced diet means you will have enough nutrients in the right portion to help you through the day. 
  7. Hats and Umbrella: You can carry a hat or an umbrella everywhere as protection when you’re going out because even when  it’s cloudy, the heat can still be dangerous:
  8. 15+ SPF: You should not forget to put sunscreen and sunblock on your body, with at least 15  Sun Protection Factor (SPF) content because even an umbrella can’t protect your skin completely. 
  9. Medication Management: Elderly often have multiple medications that may enhance how they feel about heat 
  10. Monthly Skin Check: At least once a month, you should check your skin for any red spots or other uneven colors, especially if you go out under the sun many times. 


Heatstroke Symptoms and What to Do

  • Dizziness: When you’re under the sun for too long and start feeling dizzy, you should get under the shade and sit down until your dizziness dissipates.
  • Nausea: The common cure for feeling nauseous is to grab a bite of a light meal, but during a heatwave, you should opt for water instead of a meal.
  • Losing consciousness: Heatstroke can cause losing consciousness when you’re not careful, but when you start feeling like you’re about to faint, you can ask for help from people around you.


What If I See Someone Unwell

  • Get them in the shade: The first thing to do is to take them directly under the shade, as it will cool them down a bit and let them catch a breath.
  • Get hydrated: Carrying a water bottle around with you is always a good idea, especially during a heatwave and you can help them to rehydrate.
  • Help Them Lie down: In many cases, you should help them to lie down or at least have the most contact with the ground  Having the most contact with the ground can help 
  • Call 911: When you see that they may need some serious medical help, don’t hesitate to call 911 immediately. 


Checking on Each Other 

These heat wave safety tips for elderly also work for everyone of all ages, including you and everyone you love. So you should check up on others regularly to protect them against heatwaves.



Sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/heatwaves-how-to-stay-cool

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-cool-in-a-heatwave/ 

https://www.care-one.com/blog/six-tips-for-seniors-to-stay-safe-in-a-heatwave/ 

https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/risk-factors/extreme-heat-and-older-adults-aged-65.html 

https://www.unicef.org/parenting/emergencies/heat-wave-safety-tips 

https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-hot-weather-safety-tips-older-adults 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adults 

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