{"id":5347,"date":"2021-06-14T17:54:59","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T17:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/orangeville\/blog\/summer-safety-for-seniors\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T16:57:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T16:57:13","slug":"summer-safety-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/orangeville\/blog\/summer-safety-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Safety for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer Safety for Seniors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Summer Safety for Seniors – As the country continues to experience its recent history of long, hot summers, it is becoming vitally important that we understand symptoms of heat related illnesses, especially for our seniors. Our bodies work hard every day to maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat forces our body to work harder than normal, which often is the root cause of heat-related illness. Essentially the heat forces our bodies to work beyond their limits. For senior citizens, this can be a dangerous \u2013 and even deadly \u2013 problem. With awareness and preventative measures, caregivers can help their senior loved ones enjoy a healthy, active summer.<\/p>\n

Seniors don\u2019t \u2018feel the heat\u2019 the way younger people do, and so might not be aware of the risks of high temperatures. Physiologically, as we age our bodies lose some natural ability to regulate temperature making seniors more susceptible to temperature changes in the environment. One such change is that the subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the skin, which acts as a natural insulation to hear and cold, dwindles. Also because seniors perspire less, it\u2019s harder for them to keep cool which also increases their risk of becoming overheated.<\/p>\n

Summer Safety – Serious Conditions for Concern<\/h3>\n

The two most serious conditions for seniors that result from heat and exposure to high temperatures are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is a non-life-threatening condition caused by loss of salt and fluid from the body that results from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Characteristic symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, blurred vision, nausea, upset stomach, ashen appearance, low blood pressure, vomiting, sluggishness, fatigue, thirst, rapid weak heartbeat, profuse sweating and moderate increase in body temperature.<\/p>\n

Related Article: Senior Hydration<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n

Once you recognize that the senior in your life is in distress and exhibiting the symptoms of heat exhaustion, it\u2019s imperative to take action to cool him or her down. Move him or her to a cool, dry place to lie down and rest. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool water to the skin and fan the wet skin. Applying ice that is wrapped in a towel to the head, neck armpits and groin areas can help to bring down the body temperature, too. Also have him or her drink cool water. The water should be cool, but not iced. Electrolyte drinks are also good for someone experiencing this condition. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.<\/p>\n

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a life threatening condition. It requires immediate medical attention. Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot cool itself, usually because sweating stops and the body’s core temperature becomes too high. Conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as taking some medications commonly prescribed to seniors, being dehydrated or consuming alcohol in elevated temperatures, can all contribute to the increased risk of heat stroke.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of heat stroke include:<\/h3>\n