As many of us look ahead to cooler fall days for some relief from summer heat, we still have a few weeks of hot weather with which to contend. Increasingly, hotter days stretch deeper and deeper into September.
There are more hot days than ever before. Last year holds the record for the hottest year ever recorded and 2024 is on track to surpass that record.
As extreme heat becomes more common, it’s crucial that we all take additional measures to remain safe. These extra steps are especially important for the older adults in our lives because they are more susceptible to extreme weather.
Spring Arbor Senior Living is proud to serve our residents and their loved ones. We’re happy to share resources and insights that can help everyone, so we thought it would be useful to explore tips to ensure the health and safety of older adults when the temperatures rise.
Hydration
Water is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Hydration is crucial for everyone, and, in particular, older adults because their bodies lose water more quickly. Furthermore, dehydration can negatively impact cognitive function.
Encourage your loved ones to consume an ample amount of water throughout the day. Herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, and clear soups can also contribute to their daily fluid intake. You can make water more appealing by adding fruit, cucumber, and other healthy foods to enhance the taste.
Due to decreased thirst perception, seniors may forget to drink water regularly. Set reminders or use smartphone apps to establish a water consumption routine. It’s also helpful to create easy access to cold water. That’s why you’ll see hydration stations throughout our senior living communities. Learn even more about the importance of this topic by reading our hydration blog post.
Nutrition
Nutrition is also a key factor in bolstering the health of older adults during hot weather. Avoid food that is high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol and beverages that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Instead, prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and nutrients in fruits and veggies can help reduce inflammation, combat cell damage, and improve circulation. Also consider produce with high water content – such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumbers – to supplement the hydration tips mentioned above.
Body Temperature
Older adults often overheat faster because they’re not able to regulate their internal body temperatures as effectively as others. Cognitive decline also contributes to overheating as an older adult may forget how long they’ve been outside or wear cold weather clothing, such as sweaters, despite the temperature. Helping seniors maintain appropriate body temperature is important.
Ensure that older adults in your life have a comfortable and cool place to relax and be active when the thermostat rises. Stay indoors between 10am – 4pm to avoid the hottest temperatures and exposure to the sun. Outdoor activities in the morning are best.
Clothing matters too. Seniors should wear light fabrics and loose-fitting clothing to allow more air flow around their body and to assist their body’s natural cooling processes.
Respite care – short-term stays at senior living communities – is another option some families consider when the temperatures get too hot. It can offer a safe alternative and peace of mind. Learn more about respite care at Spring Arbor communities with this blog post.
If you are curious about senior living options in your area or considering a senior living community for your loved one, visit Spring Arbor’s website to learn more about our services and search for communities: https://www.springarborliving.com.