Released July 31, 2009
LITTLE ROCK - A decline in the ability to regular body temperatures means heat stress can be especially acute for seniors during the summer, according to LaVona Traywick, extension gerontology specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Heat can be deadly for people of any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 8,000 people were killed by heat exposure between 1979 and 2003.
"Aging decreases the efficiency of the sweat glands and circulatory changes that are part of normal aging can leave seniors more susceptible to hyperthermia or heat-related illness," she said. "In addition, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart, lung, or kidney disease add to the susceptibility, as do diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure medications."
Traywick said there are certain precautions seniors should take on hot summer days:
- Avoid venturing outdoors during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Watch for hot, humid days.
- Do not overdress.
- Wear light fabrics in layers that can be removed.
Seniors should also be cautious in general on hot, humid days, particularly when air pollution alerts are in effect. They should take care not to overdress or wear cool-weather fabrics in layers if they are worried about being too cool when indoors.
Being in an air-conditioned space for a few hours, whether at home, the mall or library, or other heat-relief shelter, can help seniors remain cool when going back out in the heat.
"Remember, electric fans alone will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the 90s or above," Traywick said.
People with elderly neighbors should check on those with limited mobility to ensure they’re OK in the heat. When on the road, "never sit or leave anyone inside a closed, parked car where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in a short time," she said.
For more information about dealing with the heat, see "Extreme Heat and Aging," at http://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/aging/extreme_heat.pdf, or contact your county extension office for a copy.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0731heat_seniors.htm
Contact: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
