How to Keep Cool in Hot Weather

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Despite spring and summer being bright and exciting times of the year, we want to talk about how to keep cool in hot weather. A temperature rise can pose a danger to the elderly. Several heat-related illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening for the elderly, make keeping cool in the warmer months vital. Heat exposure can exacerbate some pre-existing ailments, too, including symptoms of arthritis.

Let’s discuss how to keep cool in hot weather.

Be Aware of Heat-Related Illness

It’s important to be aware of the heat-related illnesses that can impact everyone. While everyone can suffer from these illnesses, elderly people are more prone to them due to their inability to adjust to high temperatures as easily as younger people. Be aware of the following ailments:

Heat rash: Signs of irritation, such as redness, spots or blisters could be a sign of heat rash.

Heat exhaustion: A lack of coordination, dizziness or weakness could mean you’re suffering from heat exhaustion.

Heat stress: Heat stress causes symptoms such as headaches, faintness and nausea.

Heat stroke: A dangerous ailment, heat stroke can be life-threatening. Heat stroke can cause confusion, agitation, raised heart rate, nausea, severe headaches, fainting, seizures and more.

If you or a loved one is suffering from the symptoms mentioned above, be sure to move them to a cool environment and give them fluids. In serious cases, such as heat stroke, contact emergency services as soon as possible.

Prioritise Heat Protection

It goes without saying, but you should protect yourself from the sun. Wear sun cream with a high factor rating, wear sunglasses and sun hats, these will work to protect you from the heat and light from the sun.

Elderly people are at higher risk of skin cancer, making prolonged sun exposure a risk, and making protective sun cream important to prevent this. Besides skin cancer, elderly people’s skin tends to be thinner with a reduced capacity to heal from damage from the sun.

Sunglasses help protect from UV damage, preventing ailments such as cataracts, something which elderly people are more prone to. Hats will also help protect your eyes from the sun, while also shielding your head, especially useful if you don’t have a full head of hair!

Stay Hydrated

Elderly people do not adjust to hotter temperatures the same way younger people do, making staying hydrated important. Dehydration can lead to health problems, such as heat stroke, and it can worsen pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes.

Keeping hydrated will help fight off heat exhaustion and keep your body happy. If you struggle to drink lots of water, try incorporating fresh fruits or even ice lollies into your daily diet. Besides being a tasty treat, ice lollies will help cool you down while keeping you hydrated.

Wear Loose Clothing

Loose clothing is another great way to regulate your temperature. Avoid synthetic fabrics that work to keep you warm, and wear loose-fitting, lightweight cottons to keep you cool. The loose fit will rub against your skin less, too, helping to avoid heat irritation on your skin.

Stay in the Shade

While getting some sun can feel great and boost your wellbeing, it’s important to know your limits. Whether you’re gardening, out in town or enjoying a day at the beach, you must listen to your body. When it feels like it’s time to rest, do so in a shaded area.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause several problems, so it’s always a good idea to know where a shady spot to relax is. Avoiding too much sun can be the difference between having a nice day out and having an unnecessary accident.

How to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer

While you cannot control the world, you can control your home environment. On a hot day, draw the curtains and blinds to help keep things cool. Set up fans around the house to keep the airflow going. At home, you should feel supported and comfortable, with somewhere to relax. Our riser recliner chairs provide superior comfort, independence and support for the elderly at home, providing several benefits to help you stay comfortable even when temperatures are high.

If you’re struggling to keep cool at night, there are a few things you can try, as not getting enough sleep can make you feel even more exhausted in the hot weather. Opt for cool, light bedding with breathable materials, take a warm shower before bed to regulate your temperature, ventilate your bedroom and keep hydrated throughout the night.