Safety Tips for Seniors During Extreme Heat

TIP #1: Drink Lots of Water!

Our bodies are the first line of defense for regulating our body temperature and cooling off, which is why it is important that seniors remain hydrated by drinking enough water each day. While water is best, they can also consider other liquids with electrolytes (like Gatorade). Seniors should avoid drinks that may dehydrate them, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

TIP #2: Check In Regularly.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is simply not communicating with and checking in on their senior loved ones during a heat wave. Schedule specific times that you may check in with loved ones to ensure that they are safe and determine what, if anything, may be needed to help them keep cool.

TIP #3: Prepare Light, Cool Meals.

Seniors should avoid heavy meals that require a lot of work in the kitchen and the stove or oven to be turned on. Salads, sandwiches, and cold fruit are perfect for really hot weather. They avoid a lot of unnecessary heat generated from the kitchen, are easy to prepare, and also help keep seniors cool.

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TIP #4: Consider Getting/Running an Air Conditioner.

Many homes in Southern California, especially beach cities, were not originally built with central air conditioning. There are a number of effective, inexpensive, portable or window-mounted air conditioning options that you may wish to purchase to help cool off a senior’s home. One does not need to necessarily cool down the entire home, but just the room that the senior will primarily be in throughout the day. If the senior cannot get air conditioning in their home, they may consider going to a friend's or loved ones’ home where they can enjoy air conditioning and cool off, or public areas such as the mall, grocery store, or other air-conditioned businesses.

TIP #5: Dress Appropriately.

Be sure the senior wears light, loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating. If they are going to be outside, be sure they apply sunscreen and consider grabbing a hat and some sunglasses to protect them from too much sun exposure.

TIP #6: Close the Blinds/Shades.

If the senior’s home has windows that face the sun and get a lot of sun (and heat) throughout the day, keep the blinds or shades closed throughout the day to avoid allowing unnecessary heat coming into the home. It can make a dramatic difference in temperature just by having the windows blocked to keep the burning sunlight out.

TIP #7: Review the Senior’s Medications with Their Doctor.

Last, but certainly not least, consider reviewing the senior’s medications with their doctor. Some medications may cause body temperature to fluctuate and may be adjusted during warmer weather to ensure that the senior is not potentially putting themself at risk of overheating.

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