Atlanta, like most of the southern states, is hot— really hot. With summer temperatures hitting upwards of 100 degrees, elderly people run the risk of suffering from heatstroke and other health complications. In fact, a study done at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over the age of 65. There are ways to protect yourself from falling victim to the strong heat index and the hardships they may cause on your body as well as ways to tell if you or a loved one are suffering from heat-related issues.
Heat Stroke in the Elderly
Elderly people, people age 65 years and older, face a higher risk of developing heatstroke in hot weather. Heatstroke is a health condition in which the body overheats and has the inability to cool down. There are many different signs to look for in order to tell if someone’s body is entering a stage of heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke, which according to Emory University cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Kim, is much more common than heatstroke.
The issue in spotting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke is that they’re usually similar to some age-related conditions, leaving it hard to interpret the severity of the situation. Caring Companions of Atlanta provides 5 subtle symptoms of heatstroke that are often confused with age-related symptoms.
-Rapid Pulse. Rapid pulse usually coincides with heatstroke because the body works hard trying to bring the body back to a normal temperature. Many seniors already have a quicker heartbeat called tachycardia, due to medications they’re on. Rapid heartbeat can also be caused by overactive thyroid, dehydration, or anxiety.
-Dizziness. There are many reasons why elderly people can experience dizziness such as, vertigo, cardiovascular disease, medication side effects, and inner ear issues. Anyone taking care of seniors should pay close attention to dizziness, as it is common and easily confused for something else.
-Headaches. Headaches are common in all ages. Geriatric headaches can be a result of dehydration, lack of sleep, chronic migraines, jaw and denture problems, and many more.
-Lack of sweating. The sweat glands of an elderly person work much differently than those of a young person. They often shrink with age, making them less sensitive to temperature changes and harder to self-regulate. Since seniors sweat less even while being healthy, it’s an important symptom of heat stroke that can be overlooked.
-Disorientation. The hot weather can create a sense of discomfort and confusion, so caregivers and family members should pay attention to their senior to see if he or she is feeling disoriented, as it could be symptomatic of a heatstroke.
Preventing Heatstroke
Preventing heatstroke for yourself or loved ones is easier than you may think. Elderly people are more at risk than other age groups because they often times can’t communicate when their symptoms creep on. By following these next few tips, it can alleviate the stressful summer heat.
-Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration —remember that alcoholic and caffeinated contribute to a person’s dehydration.
-Wear appropriate clothing. Make sure to wear lightweight clothing in the summertime with a wide-brimmed hat. This can also be beneficial in preventing further sun damage to the face; a 2-for-1!
-Pay attention to the heat index. When there’s a high percentage of moisture and humidity in the air, our bodies lose the ability to properly sweat, and sweating helps to bring bodies back to a comfortable temperature. The daily heat index can be found on local weather news sources, and is an accurate depiction of how the weather actually feels. If it’s a high heat index for the day, try to stay inside.
-Make sure your sleeping quarters are properly air-conditioned. Most homes in the southern states are air conditioned already; however, making sure it's working properly if the air conditioner is an older unit is important not only for comfortable sleep but for heatstroke prevention.