Senior to Senior: Heat Intolerance

Oh wow. It’s hot outside. Soaring temperatures are a growing concern, especially for seniors. Thinking that you don’t need to take precautions because you never did before, isn’t going to cut it. Face it; you are officially old. Heat not only saps your strength but it can be hazardous to your health. You are especially vulnerable if you have high blood pressure, are overweight, or have a history of heart disease. Sound familiar? Most of us have at least one, or more, chronic conditions that can be exacerbated by soaring temperatures. It's easy to shrug off the warning signs of heat exhaustion because we, as seniors, are accustomed to feeling a little tired, dizzy at times, headachy, and a little peaked. Why is this happening to us? Think about it. A diminished ability to dissipate heat, a decreased ability to sweat, mediations that contribute to dehydration, and that awful thin skin that fails to provide adequate insulation. It’s a bleak picture, but if you take it easy and take care of yourself, you can make it through the summer unscathed. What should you do: • Stay active but schedule your outdoor time for early mornings and late evenings. • Stay hydrated. Drink something before going out, when you are out, and after you get home. Have a big water bottle beside you at all times. • Spend most of the day indoors. If you must go out, consider taking classes at the senior center, spend the afternoon reading at the library. or frequent any number of air-conditioned venues. • Keep your house cool and wear light-colored breathable clothes. Avoid using your oven. Now is the time to try new crockpot or microwave recipes. Find indoor activities to keep you entertained. A new hobby or keeping in touch with friends by phone, computer or mail. Find enjoyable things to do indoors during the heat of the day. Most of all, know the signs and symptoms of heat intolerance. If you have any symptoms, get a cool drink and call for help. Hang in there; it will be fall before you know it.