Skip to main content

Older Adults Are Particularly Vulnerable to Extreme Heat


Most areas in the United States have seen summers getting hotter over the last several years. Several days in a row of extreme heat can especially take a toll on seniors. Experts say if you are an older adult and/or someone on medications and have chronic heart, lung or kidney problems, it can make it even harder for your body to handle higher temperatures.

While hotter temperatures are difficult for all of us, studies find seniors do not adjust as well to heat and humidity as they did when they were younger. The National Institute on Aging says it is important for those at risk to take precautions and get relief quickly when you do feel overheated.

Along with a slower response to temperature changes, prescription medication like high blood pressure and heart medications; diuretics and sedatives make it harder for the body to cool. In addition, many seniors may be on several medications that only compound the problem.

Other issues interfering with seniors ability to handle the heat is obesity or being overweight or underweight as well as normal changes in aging skin. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration and increase your risk of heat-related illness. Water, fruit juices and drinks with electrolytes are good choices but avoid caffeinated products and alcohol.

If you live in a place without air conditioning, it is important to keep the space as cool as possible. Limit the use of the oven and keep blinds and drapes shut during the hottest part of the day. Open windows at night to bring in cooler air. If possible, spend part of your day in a cool spot such as an indoor mall, cooling center or library where there is air conditioning. If you need transportation, don’t stand outside waiting for a bus, ask a relative or friend for a ride or call a ride service.

The NIA says signs of heat-related illness include headache, confusion and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, they advise going to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.

For exceptional assisted living in Houston, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at River Oaks. Our all-inclusive assisted living community offers a range of luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every private suite is well designed to maximize space and options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care to those with memory impairment. Please contact us for more information and ask us about our Move-in Specials.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Houston has to offer.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adjust Your Attitude toward “Growing Older”

New studies suggest our attitude toward growing older may affect how well we do with our own aging process. Researchers report findings that show those who negatively view aging may have a higher likelihood of developing changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease . One such study was published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging. Its authors suggest if a person shifts their belief about aging to a more positive view; it may be beneficial in helping to mitigate the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and the study’s leader, Becca Levy said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes.” She says while these findings are concerning, “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beli
1 comment
Read more

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s
Post a Comment
Read more

Linking Exercise to Cognitive Health

We know exercise contributes to a person’s overall health and results in stronger muscles, a healthier heart and even a better night’s sleep. Now a neuroscientist is speaking up about the benefits exercise offers to our cognitive health. Wendy Suzuki, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University, explains, “I’ve found that exercising is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, memory, focus and reasoning — all of which can help you become smarter and live longer.” Suzuki says each time we move our bodies’ beneficial neurotransmitters are released into the brain including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine, which transmits signals from nerve cells to target cells. These target cells may be in muscles, glands, or other nerves and can affect our sleep cycles, moods and concentration including a decrease in feelings of depres
Post a Comment
Read more