Columbia Aged Care

Summer is well and truly here!

Whilst this is a time for increased leisure activities, fun and holidays the implications of the heat should not be forgotten – especially when organising activities for seniors. Seniors are more prone to heat related stress than younger people and find it difficult to adjust to sudden increases in temperature.

Ramciv Mendez has provided the following eight summer health tips to help seniors beat the heat.

1) Reduce strenuous activities.
When the heat rises to high temperatures, seniors should try to avoid the sun by staying indoors in air-conditioned comfort. They should try to reduce strenuous, physical activities because the more they do, the higher the body temperature will rise.

2) Keep hydrated.
Seniors should try to increase their water intake during summer months. Encourage them to have 4-8 glasses a day. They should try to minimise their intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help hydrate the body as well as keeping the body healthy.

3) Avoid direct sunlight.
Seniors should try to avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. If it is necessary to go outdoors, cover up and use plenty of sun cream.

4) Wear cool clothing.
To avoid heat-related injuries, seniors should wear cool light coloured clothing. This will help maintain a normal body temperature.

5) Choose shady locations.
If planning an outdoor activity with seniors try to choose covered or shady locations with a cool breeze.

6) Spoil seniors with cool treats.
Treat seniors with a cool water based iceblock to keep them hydrated, refreshed and cool.

7) Be aware of medications.
Hot weather can accelerate dehydration, especially in people who are taking medications that have side effects of fluid and electrolyte loss. Many medications, particularly antibiotics and diuretics can block the body's natural ability to cope with sun and heat.

You should always check with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure that medications will not cause seniors increased heat-related problems.

8) Keep a look out for early warning signs.
Watch out for heat exhaustion warning signs such as weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, rapid pulse, and/or fainting. Move the affected senior to the nearest cool shady place and provide them with water. Wet a towel or something similar and apply to the forehead and call for medical assistance.