The arrival of summer means getting ready for hotter days ahead. Extreme heat is tough on everyone but especially challenging for older adults.
The National Institute on Aging warns about heat-related illnesses and offers tips on how to stay cooler in hot weather.
Too much exposure to the sun and high temperature can cause these medical difficulties:
- Dizziness that can lead to fainting
- Cramps in leg muscles
- Edema, or swelling in your extremities
- Rashes
- Exhaustion if you do too much
- Stroke
- Sunburn
To avoid these unpleasant and dangerous effects, here are tips on how to beat the heat:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Check the weather forecast
- Seek cooler places to spend the day
- Dress appropriately
- Use sunscreen
- Don’t overexert yourself
Seniors are at particular risk since many may have underlying medical conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to adjust to temperature changes. In addition, certain medications may make you more susceptible to heat exposure. When you feel the least uncomfortable, take the opportunity to lie down and rest. In addition, avoid making your bath or shower too hot.
Council of Seniors Works to Strengthen Social Security
Council of Seniors recognizes the challenges seniors face in these economic times. That’s why we’re working hard to get Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. This legislation is needed to make up for the amount of $581 that was left out of Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Once this bill is passed, that money can finally be returned.
Signing our petition is the first step you can take to help.
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