With the weather warming up, it is more important than ever to protect ourselves from the heat. Frail and elderly people can be especially vulnerable to the effects of heat.

So, what are some ways we can protect older Australians from the heat?

Stay hydrated

As we age, it is essential to maintain proper hydration. A failure to remain sufficiently hydrated, especially on hot days, can increase your risk of dehydration which can lead to serious health complications.

Encourage seniors in your life to keep sipping water throughout the day even if they don’t feel like it. Encourage them to start drinking before they feel thirsty. However, make sure not to put too much pressure on them.

Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as these can increase the risk of dehydration.

Keep cool

There are several ways seniors can help keep themselves cool. These include:

• Making sure air conditioners and/or fans are switched on: Air conditioners and fans not only lower the temperature, but help keep the air circulating, ensuring you are as comfortable as possible. Make sure to check your air conditioner is working and get it serviced if necessary. If you don’t have an air conditioner, consider visiting a public place such as a shopping centre or library.
• Opening windows and doors if it is hotter inside than outside
• Soaking feet in a bucket of cool water: This can help to reduce your body temperature
• Closing curtains and blinds in sun-facing rooms
• Wiping arms and necks with a cool, damp cloth
• Staying inside wherever possible during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm): If you do need to go out, try to avoid doing so in the heat of the day. If it is forecast to be hot, stock up on food in advance so you don’t have to go out in the heat.

Dress appropriately

Some older people may wear warm clothes because of habit or because they feel the cold. However, on hot days seniors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics made from natural materials. Light colours will help keep the body cooler.

Regular check-ins

Make sure to check in with older Australians living by themselves regularly especially in warmer weather.

Monitor medications

Medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilisers and heart and high blood pressure medicines may affect how the body responds to heat. People taking these medications may require extra monitoring on hot days. However, you should not stop taking medications without the advice of your doctor.

In addition, you must make sure medications are stored away from the heat.

How to tell if an older person has been affected by the heat

If an older person is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign they are experiencing heat related illness.

• Excessive sweating
• Weakness, fatigue & lethargy
• Dizziness
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling of legs and hands (heat oedema) .
• Heat rash

Fainting can also be a side effect of the heat. Heat can cause the blood vessels to expand, leading to reduced blood pressure which can trigger fainting.

If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat related illness and you think they are in danger make sure to contact 000. For not urgent health advice contact your GP or local health service.

Hot weather can be hard on everyone, especially the elderly. Therefore, as the weather warms up it is essential we look out for the seniors in our lives.

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Article References

Baptcare (20 February 2024) ‘Caring for older people in hot weather‘, Baptcare, accessed 24 December 2024.

Better Health Channel (n.d) ‘How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat‘ Better Health Channel, accessed 24 December 2024.

Estia Health (27 November 2023) ‘Beat the Heat: Essential tips for caring for the elderly in hot weather‘ Estia Health, accessed 24 December 2024.