Hazy, hot summer days can be dangerous for seniors

Daily temperatures are rising and the air is often dripping with humidity. As Nat King Cole crooned in 1963, it’s time to “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.”

But as enjoyable as summer is, it does not come without some risks, especially for older people. We all know how hard cold weather is on the elderly, but extreme heat can be just as dangerous.

Hyperthermia, not to be confused with hypothermia, is the term used to define heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“The most important thing for older adults to understand is that they are at risk for hyperthermia,” said Amy Cotton, geriatric nurse practitioner and program director for Rosscare’s Center for Healthy Aging. “Any hot day can increase the risk of a heat-related health problem, particularly for those persons of advanced age and those with heart, lung or kidney disease.”

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body gets too hot. Signs that heat exhaustion is setting in include: thirst, giddiness, weakness, becoming uncoordinated, nausea and profuse sweating.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you are with an older person who is, the following treatments can provide some relief: showering, bathing or sponging off with cool water, drinking fluids such as water and juice, and lying down to rest – preferably in a cool place. If you happen to be in the sun, find shelter immediately.

While heat exhaustion can be addressed fairly easily with the above steps, heat stroke is usually deadly – immediate medical attention is crucial. The list of possible symptoms include: a body temperature of 104 degrees, confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry, flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or coma.

If you or someone else is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

“Preventing and reducing risks are key for seniors to stay healthy in hot weather,” said Cotton. “It’s important to talk to primary care providers about individual risk factors. These might include the use of certain medications, required fluid intake and assessment of home environments. As we age, the body’s ability to release heat, by sweating, is blunted, making it particularly dangerous for seniors to stay in very warm environments for long periods of time.”

And speaking of medications, there are some drugs that increase a person’s sensitivity to the sun, causing skin to burn faster than normal.

“It’s different this time of year because the [sun’s] rays are more potent and they are more direct rays,” said Ryan Soucy, pharmacist. People need to be a little more careful about sun exposure than in other seasons, and wear extra sunscreen if they go outside, he added. Also, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun strongest.

Some blood pressure medications containing hydrochlorothiazide, such as Zestoretic and Dyazide, will increase sun sensitivity, as will the antibiotics Bactrim and Tetracycline. If you are taking these drugs, check with your doctor for specific advice.

For homebound seniors who live in dwellings without air conditioning or adequate fans, try opening windows at night on opposite sides of the building to create cross-ventilation. During the day, close windows, blinds and curtains.

If you do have a fan, sit in front of it and lightly mist your legs and arms with a squirt bottle. As the water evaporates, your skin will cool down.

Also, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Older people may not feel the heat accurately and consequently put themselves at risk by wearing too much clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting garments made from natural fibers are best.

As you scout around for the perfect summer wardrobe and try to beat the heat, think back a few months – or ahead a few months. If you do, you may find Nat King Cole was right.

“You’ll wish that summer could always be here.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.