Seniors Should Practice Summer Safety, Too!

The lazy days of summer mean exactly that to most of us - longer days filled with sunshine, fun-filled vacations and laughter. After all, what is not to enjoy? Something about the sun shining in your upturned face makes your days feel a bit lighter. Along with the cheerful warmth of the sun comes its brutal heat, especially in August. Depending on where you live, temperatures can rise above the 90s. It is during this time the sun and heat can be dangerous – especially for the elderly.

The main dangers during this otherwise sunny season that effect the elderly more so than most adults are sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While getting sunburned may not necessarily be considered as dangerous as heat stroke and exhaustion, the elderly are still at risk for melanoma, a serious skin cancer thought to be caused by exposure to UV light. Seniors should take care to avoid excessive sun exposure.

It is important to know the elderly do not often notice immediate negative effects of heat. For various reasons due to the aging process, most seniors prefer to be slightly warmer during any season, and their bodies do not regulate temperature as they once did. Some have medical conditions exacerbated by heat. Others take medications that further complicate detection of being overheated. Additionally, seniors do not become thirsty as younger people do, and are at risk of becoming dehydrated quickly.

Heat stroke can occur within minutes, often before someone notices a problem. Internal body temperatures can reach 105 degrees, sometimes causing brain damage and even death. Heat exhaustion can take place over a period of days. While body temperatures do not immediately rise, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not properly treated. These conditions can become exceptionally critical for a frail, elderly person to experience.

Comfort Keepers offers these tips for safely enjoying the summer sun:

• Stay out of the sun if possible. Always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight, roomy clothing that covers arms and legs when outside.
• Drink plenty of water daily and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
• When planning an outing, consider taking a travel pack that contains a few snacks, water or sports drinks.
• Keep the air conditioner at a setting that provides cool air and proper ventilation, even if that means wearing a sweater inside. Do not sit in an enclosed car unless it is running with the air on.
• If unable to comfortably cool the home during daylight hours, visit other air-conditioned places. Museums, the library or even a movie theatre are good choices.
• Bathe or shower in cool water. Keep a few moist washcloths in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and treat yourself to a quick sponge bath in between activities to refresh yourself.
• Hire someone to do yard work such as mowing, weeding and other strenuous activities that may lead to heat complications.
• Check on elderly friends daily, especially during the hottest months when effects of heat can become extreme.
• Hire a Comfort Keeper^®, a caregiver specifically trained for Interactive Caregiving® , to offer valuable assistance to seniors during the summer months.

Safe, summer fun can be exactly that in the life of a senior. Minimal adjustments of daily habits can be made to ensure the welfare of family and friends of all ages. Be aware of your surroundings, plan wisely to avoid ill effects of heat, and pay attention to signs of trouble. Doing so will hopefully avert potential disaster, leaving all to enjoy a safe and happy summer season!