Beat the Heat
Perhaps more than any other group, older adults should pay special attention to heat waves and heat emergency warnings. More than younger people, seniors are susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injuries, because:
- They tend not to adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature.
- They are more likely to have a medical condition that upsets body responses to heat.
- They are more likely to take medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
If you are concerned about elderly relatives or neighbors who may be at risk during a heat emergency, here are some tips:
- Visit at least twice a day and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- If they have air conditioning, make sure they use it, at least during the heat emergency. If not, take them to an air-conditioned location if they lack transportation or make sure they are using fans and keeping windows open. If they insist on keeping windows shut for safety reasons, you may need to move them to another location during the heat emergency. Click here for a list of local cooling centers in Council on Aging’s resource directory. The United Way of Greater Cincinnati also offers a list of cooling centers for the tristate area.
- If the person’s doctor normally limits fluids or has a patient on diuretics, check with the doctor’s office about fluid intake during very hot weather. Otherwise, make sure they are drinking enough water.
Older adults should also follow these prevention tips to protect themselves from heat-related stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)
- Rest.
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don`t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
- Visit a local cooling center, list of Cooling Centers in COA’s Resource Directory
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
- Do not engage in strenuous activities.
Help with summer cooling costs is now available to low-income and older Ohio residents.
Help with summer cooling costs is available to low-income older adults through Ohio’s HEAP Summer Crisis Program. HEAP – the Home Energy Assistance Program – is a federally funded program designed to assist eligible Ohioians with their utility bills. The Summer Crisis Program provides fans, air conditioners, and/or utility assistance for qualified applicants, including low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. Click here for more information and how to apply.