Managing the challenges of summer

by Brenda Juskavitch

Summer is a great time of year. The sunshine, long daylight hours, and warmer temperatures mean we can enjoy the outdoors and take much-needed vacations.

However, according to Mass.gov, periods of extreme heat are on the rise, which can cause serious health challenges—especially for older adults and people with chronic health conditions. For caregivers, it’s important to understand the impact that hot and humid weather can have on loved ones and know how to handle potential challenges.

The effects of heat and humidity

Hot weather affects everyone, but older adults are often more sensitive and vulnerable to heat. Here’s why:

• The ability to regulate body temperature naturally declines with age, which means sensitivity to heat and cold increase.
• Thirst also declines with age, so older adults don’t drink as much as they should and may become dehydrated more quickly—especially in hot weather.
• Certain chronic health conditions—like cardiovascular, lung, or kidney diseases—can negatively affect someone’s response to heat.
• Some prescription medications may:
• Affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature or sweat 
• Make the skin more sensitive to the sun
• Cause dehydration

It’s also important to note that extreme temperatures can affect the stability of certain medications. For example, excessive heat can cause the coatings on some prescriptions to peel, melt, or crack, which can alter their effectiveness.

Heat-related illnesses—what you should know

Heat-related illnesses—called hyperthermia—can happen to anyone. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults, people who are ill, obese, or on certain medications, and the very young are at higher risk.

It’s important to know the signs of heat-related conditions like heat sensitivity and heat stroke.

• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Heat stroke is severe and requires immediate medical attention. During heat stroke, core body temperature quickly rises to dangerous levels (above 104ºF). These other symptoms may also occur:

• Confusion
• Agitation
• Slurred speech
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Delirium

If you or your loved one experience any of these symptoms of heat stroke, please get medical help right away.

How to keep your loved one safe in the heat

Thankfully, there are many things that can help your loved one stay safe, cool, and comfortable during hot weather.

Staying hydrated is important. According to the Mayo Clinic, water is critical for health because it regulates body temperature, promotes good digestion, and improves memory, alertness, sleep quality, and mood. Your loved one can stay hydrated by:.

• Drinking lots of water, even if they aren’t thirsty (change the flavor by adding herbs like mint or basil or slices of fruit)
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and sugary drinks, which contribute to dehydration
• Eating water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables (think melons, cucumbers, berries, lettuce, zucchini and summer squash, grapes, stone fruits, and tomatoes) and dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese

Staying cool is also important. Overheating can be harmful to the brain and other organs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your loved one can keep cool by:

• Staying in air-conditioned spaces
• Closing blinds or curtains during peak heat hours (usually mid- or late morning to late afternoon).
• Using a fan to circulate the air, which has a cooling effect
• Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing
• Avoiding strenuous activities—especially during the hottest part of the day
• Finding shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and applying sunscreen when outside
• Taking cool (not cold) showers or baths (applying cool cloths can also help)
• Taking frequent breaks during any activities

You can also help your loved one stay safe during extreme heat by keeping a close eye on them. You can do this by:

• Checking in with them once or twice a day to see if they’re following the recommendations above
• Having a friend or neighbor check in on them daily, if you’re unable to.
• Asking how they’re feeling, to see if they’re showing any signs of heat stress
• Making sure their medications are stored properly and are being taken as prescribed

Also, be sure to follow local forecasts to get timely heat advisories and public health alerts for upcoming heat waves.

Be prepared for power disruptions

Summer storms and increased electricity use cause power outages at any time of day or night. Ease your mind by making sure that you and your loved one are prepared.

• Set up alerts for heat advisories. Power outages often occur during periods of extreme heat.
• Stock up on clean water. Try to have a week’s supply of at least 2 gallons per person per day.
• Have battery-powered portable fans and flashlights on hand—and plenty of fresh batteries.
• Keep well-insulated coolers and cold packs handy to help protect temperature-sensitive medications.
• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work.
• Keep cell phones, laptops, and portable chargers fully charged.
• If your loved one needs oxygen, contact your electric company to get on a list for priority service in case the power goes out. Or consider buying or borrowing a generator. If you use a generator, keep it at least 20 feet from buildings—never indoors, near windows, or in enclosed spaces—to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
• Know the locations of the closest community cooling centers. These can be libraries, town halls, and senior centers.

Remember to enjoy what summer has to offer

There’s lots to love about summer. The sunshine supports vitamin D production and boosts mood. Gardens are full of beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables. Beaches and parks provide opportunities to swim, picnic, and play games. 

Summer pastimes help everyone relax, recharge, and socialize—and they’re a great way to be more active, which is good for overall health and well-being. Make sure both you and your loved one make the most of what summer has to offer.

You can get additional information about heat and health from the mass.gov/extreme-heat webpages, which have information and tools for how to deal with periods of extreme heat in Massachusetts.