Helping Seniors Beat the Heat: Elders and Experts at Jewish Home Lifecare Offer Lifesaving Tips

“My neighbors wonder what I’m up to in my apartment when I keep the shades drawn on sunny days. Practically speaking it keeps my apartment cooler. But making them curious makes me laugh.”

The summer’s scorching heat is dangerous news for the elderly who are at greater risk for heat-related health problems. Jewish Home Lifecare doctors, elders and home health care clients offer practical, lifesaving precautions that seniors can take to stay safe and healthy this summer.

“Older people have a higher risk of dehydration because they are on medications that frequently cause water loss from the body. Age is a contributor too; with an increase in years comes a decrease in the ability to regulate body temperature,”explains Dr. Richard Neufeld, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Jewish Home Lifecare.

Dr. Neufeld points out that one of the most common mistakes elderly people make is wearing sweaters in the summertime. While covering up is important and wise when the sun is shining, “The number one problem is that they wear their sweaters, and then they don’t hydrate themselves well, which causes weakness and fatigue.” He recommends wearing light colors and loose-fitting clothing for maximum comfort outdoors and saving the sweaters for air-conditioned places.

Sunglasses are essential for elders on sunny days if they are to be outdoors. Older eyes do not accommodate and adjust as quickly when changing from a sun-lit patio into a darker indoor space. Sunglasses with UV protection will help reduce the glare and serve as “sunscreen” protection for the eyes, too.

In addition to drinking more water (two additional glasses on hot days), elders should run errands in the early morning or in the evening, avoiding the peak temperatures. The heat takes a toll on frailer bodies — the elderly and people with underlying, chronic conditions, and the impact can magnify in uninterrupted heat. Dr. Neufeld recommends seeking out public places like a bank, library or a free cooling center (call 311 for info) with an air conditioning to serve as vital cooling stops.

Jewish Home Lifecare elders offer a few simple tips for beating the heat:

“Oh those hot days, I drink lots of water to stay hydrated before go outside. One thing for sure happens, though. I get very familiar with the ladies rooms in the neighborhood!”

“I’m not very hungry in this heat but you need to eat. I fix something light, like a small piece of chicken with some nice sliced tomatoes and cucumbers right out of the fridge.”

“Since I’m up early anyway I get out early do my chores before the heat kicks in…that way I’m home with ice tea in the AC during the heat of the afternoon.”

“On these hot days, my Mother’s Day present is getting a workout. The new oscillating fan keeps the air circulating and keeps the ladies cool – even when we have a losing hand at cards!”

Friends and family should have a system of checking up on their loved ones to make sure they are not suffering fatigue, confusion or increased falls, which may be provoked by heat exhaustion.

“Each of us should make it our concern to check on our elderly neighbors who live alone, as isolation only adds to the risk of heat-related death,” urges Dr. Neufeld.

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