The dangers of heat stroke are present for everybody, but for seniors they're especially real. Unfortunately, seniors are more susceptible to heat stroke due to a variety of factors related to both age and health conditions. If you are a senior yourself, you need to take special care when dealing with hot weather. Here are some tips to keep you safe and avoid falling ill due to heat stroke.

Heatstroke Risks

Elderly people are especially vulnerable to heatstroke for a number of reasons. For one, certain health problems can mean you'll have less ability to handle high temperatures. This problem can be compounded by the fact that many seniors are unable to notice dangerous temperature changes in their own body as they grow older. At the same time, certain medications can cause dehydration to begin with, making high temperatures that much more dangerous.

Staying Indoors

During the hottest part of the day, you should consider staying indoors if possible, regardless of whether you're living in an assisted care facility or living at home. Check weather forecasts that break down the weather by the hour so you can better plan your day. The morning and the evening are usually the coolest periods of time, meaning they're the safest times to go outside during especially hot days. If you do venture outside, be careful not to exert yourself too much or engage in strenuous exercise.

Keep Your Eye On The Heat Index

When checking the weather, be sure to take a look at the heat index. This not only measures the temperature, but also takes humidity into account, which will give you a better idea of how hot out it actually feels. Heat index reports are often included in TV, radio and online weather reports.

Keeping Hydrated

Seniors need to drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration on hot days. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these are two substances that can quickly lead to dehydration. Try to periodically drink water even if you don't feel dehydrated in order to better prevent heatstroke.

Be Aware Of Warning Signs

Heatstroke often leads to nausea, dizziness, chest pain, respiratory problems, and feelings like you might faint. These are usually the first warning signs that something is wrong. If you wait too long to take action, such as drinking water or seeking an air conditioned space, heatstroke can cause you to collapse and even suffer from a heart attack, underlining the danger of this condition.

Air Conditioning

Your assisted care facility should have plenty of air-conditioned spaces where you can relax, including in common rooms. If you live at home, it's important to ensure you also have air conditioning, as heatstroke can also strike seniors even if they're indoors. If you do want to venture outside, try to head to the mall, a movie theater, or other places that you know will be well air conditioned.

Ultimately, following the above tips can go a long way towards helping you avoid heatstroke, allowing you to enjoy warm weather the right way. If you're looking for an assisted living center that will be of help to your day-to-day life, contact Heritage Commons.

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