Hot weather safety for older adults

Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It is even riskier if you are older or have health problems. It is important to be cautious and get relief quickly when you are overheated. Otherwise, you might start to feel sick or risk a heat-related illness that could cause serious health issues.

Why can extreme weather be even more dangerous for older adults than for younger people? Hotter days can cause difficulty in the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. This can be challenging for older adults who typically do not adjust as well as others to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect the body’s response to temperature, and to take prescription medicines that alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweat.

Heat-related illnesses

Being overheated for too long or being exposed without protection to the sun can cause many health problems. Heat-related illnesses include the following:

• Heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that can happen when you are active in hot weather. If you take a heart medication called a beta blocker or are not acclimated to hot weather, you are even more likely to feel faint. Rest in a cool place, put your legs up, and drink water to make the dizzy feeling go away.

• Heat cramps are the painful tightening or spasms of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or intense exercise. Though your body temperature and pulse usually stay normal during heat cramps, your skin may feel moist and cool. Stop the physical activity you’re doing and rest in the shade or in a cool building. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks containing electrolytes. Do not consume alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

• Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Put your legs up to help reduce swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.

• Heat rash is a skin irritation from heavy sweating. It causes red clusters of small blisters that look similar to pimples on the skin. Your skin may feel itchy or you may feel “prickly” tingling pain. Keep the infected area dry, use powder to sooth the rash, and stay in cool areas.

• Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You may sweat a lot. Your body temperature may stay normal, but your skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse. Rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. Be cautious because heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body’s temperature rises above 104°F. Signs of heat stroke are fainting; confusion or acting strangely; not sweating even when it’s hot; dry, flushed skin; strong, rapid pulse; or a slow, weak pulse. When a person has any of these symptoms, they should seek medical help right away and immediately move to a cooler place, such as under shade or indoors. They should also take action to lower their body temperature with cool clothes, a cool bath or shower, and fans.

• Sun exposure, also known as sunburn, is a sign of skin damage due to extreme or long exposure. Your skin may appear red and tender, develop blisters, start to peel, and be warm to the touch. Severe reactions may cause fever, chills, nausea, or rash. Prevent sunburn by wearing protective clothing that covers your skin and staying out of direct sunlight. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher can also help prevent sunburns, but be sure to reapply often. If you are sunburned, wear lightweight clothing, take cool showers, moisturize affected areas, and stay out of the sun so your skin can heal.

What raises the risk of heat-related illnesses for older adults?

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk may include:

• Health problems such as cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease

• Changes in skin caused by normal aging

• Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever

• Taking drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines that may make it harder for the body to cool itself

• Being on several prescription drugs at the same time

• Having obesity, overweight, or underweight

• Drinking alcoholic beverages

• Living in places without air conditioning or fans

• Becoming dehydrated

Tips to stay safe in hot weather

Things you can do to lower your risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do when it is very hot.

• If you live in a home without air conditioning or fans, try to keep your space as cool as possible. Limit use of the oven; keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day; and open windows at night.

• If your living space is hot, try to spend time during midday in a place that has air conditioning. For example, go to the shopping mall, movies, library, senior center, or a friend’s home. You may also contact your local health department or city to find out if they have air-conditioned shelters in your area.

• Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton may feel cooler than synthetic fibers.

• Avoid outdoor exercising and other physical activity when it is very hot. Instead, try to find someplace you can be active while staying cool indoors.

• If you must go outside, try to limit your time out and avoid crowded places. Plan trips during non-rush-hour times.

• Make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it throughout the day, especially if your skin will have continuous exposure to the sun. Wear a hat and other protective clothing, and sunglasses. If you do get sunburned, stay out of the sun until your skin is healed and use cool cloths and moisturizers to treat the affected area.

• Ask your doctor if any of your medications make you more likely to become overheated or sunburned.

Key points to remember about hot weather safety

Older people can have a tougher time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to be high to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or to an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.

To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:

• Get out of the sun and into a cool, ideally air-conditioned place.

• Drink fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.

• Lie down and rest.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults

8 Ways to overcome aging parents’ loneliness

With modern technological advances, it is easier to stay in touch than ever before. Smart phones, social media apps, and the internet have made it possible to contact anyone, anywhere, at any time. Despite these advances, research suggests that we are lonelier than ever before – and seniors experience that loneliness at a higher level than any other age group.

What Are the Consequences of Loneliness?

To some degree, loneliness is a choice. You have the ability to choose whether you keep to yourself or make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family. There are certain factors, however, that make it more difficult to stay connected. As you get older, your social circle starts to shrink. Elderly friends pass away, family members start families of their own, and people move away. Even if you have friends and family in the area, issues of mobility, illness, and transportation can make it difficult to get out of the house to see the people you care about.

Age also comes with certain physical consequences, such as decreased mobility, vision impairments, and nagging health issues that may make it difficult to leave the home. Embarrassment can also be a factor. Older adults who suffer from incontinence, vision or hearing loss, and those who need assistive devices to get around may feel self-conscious or anxious enough to avoid social situations. As a result, they become increasingly isolated.

Loneliness may not seem like a significant problem, but the truth is that it can affect both a person’s quality of life and their physical health. A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that individuals 60 years or older who self-reported feelings of loneliness had a 45% increased risk of death. They also had a 59% higher risk of mental and physical decline, which manifests most notably in their ability to perform daily living activities.

Scientists believe that loneliness has a similar physiological effect on the body as chronic stress. Loneliness increases production of stress hormones, like cortisol, which trigger inflammation and impair immunity while also contributing to mental illness and chronic health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, loneliness may also be correlated with the development of biomarkers in the brain that have been associated with early Alzheimer’s disease.

The consequences of loneliness can have serious implications for both mental and physical health in seniors. If you are concerned about your aging parents or another loved one, step up and do something about it. There are plenty of simple things that can be done to combat senior loneliness – all it takes is for one person to set the wheels in motion.

Below are eight tips to help a loved one overcome loneliness:

1. Take time to listen. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a person is listen. Simply having you there to listen can help your loved one feel less alone. Actively engage your loved one in conversation, asking questions and encouraging them to express themselves. It may not come easily at first, but if your willingness to learn will go a long way.

2. Develop a plan. In addition to listening, take the time to learn about your loved one’s interests and develop a plan to incorporate them into everyday life. If your loved one enjoys music, try taking them to a show or encourage them to join a community choir. If that is too much, simply taking an hour out of your day to share an activity with your loved one can make a significant impact.

3. Start a new hobby. Learning something new is the best way to keep your brain young. Encourage your loved one to take up a new hobby as a means of staying active and meeting new people. Suggest that they join a local community center in the para to participate in weekly activities.

4. Bridge the gap. For aging parents and others struggling with loneliness, finding someone to connect with may not be as difficult as imagined. One of the best opportunities is to connect your loved one with younger relatives. Grandchildren, nieces, and nephews can learn a lot by spending time with older family members and, for your loved one, it may help them feel younger and more included in family activities.

5. Take a class or seminar. If your loved one is still mobile, encourage them to take up a class or seminar to get out of the house and meet new people. Check with your local community center or community college because many of these places offer free classes for seniors.

6. Teach someone something. If taking a class is too much of a commitment for your loved one, give them the opportunity to teach you something instead. Take what you have learned by listening to your loved one and ask them to teach you something. Even if all they are able to offer is wisdom and helpful advice, it will help bring meaning to their lives and restore some of the child-parent dynamic that can sometimes be lost when children start caring for their aging parents.

7. Give back. Volunteering provides a variety of benefits for lonely seniors, both physical and mental. In addition to promoting physical activity, volunteering keeps the brain active. It will get your loved one out of the house and into a community.

8. Adopt a pet. While an animal might not be an equal substitute for human companionship, studies show that caring for a pet can provide both physical and mental benefits. In fact, having a pet can trigger chemical reactions in the brain that reduce cortisol levels and increase serotonin production. Plus,having a pet around will make the home feel less empty.

If you are concerned about your loved one’s physical and mental wellbeing and you worry that the tips above are not enough, it might be time to consider senior living. Senior living communities are not just for elderly patients who need help taking care of themselves – they also offer social opportunities that might not be possible otherwise. When talking about senior living with your aging parents or loved ones, it is important to focus on the benefits and make sure they feel it is their decision. The last thing you want is for your loved one feel like you are trying to get rid of them.

Aging is a fact of life and something no one can escape. Still, there will always be opportunities to meet new people and to stay connected with family and friends – it is just a matter of making it happen.

Adapted from https://keystone.health/aging-parents-loneliness

Digital empowerment for India's senior citizens

Our lifestyle has changed quite a lot in the past decade and digital transformation is in full swing. The youth segment has become the implied target market for the dazzling array of digital devices, apps and tools. However, the huge consumer base comprising elderly users has remained untapped. As per HelpAge India’s annual report, by 2050, the number of India’s senior citizens will be to equal its under-18 population. So the former has immense potential to constitute an entirely new customer base. The segment comprises over 110 million senior citizens with a literacy rate of 44%, and the penetration of mobile phones and internet access in this segment has been growing.

With no smartphones and social media, senior citizens used to rely heavily on human interaction and personal attention. But the explosion of technology in the last 10 years has changed their world. Most businesses today have an infusion of technology in their services thus adding a lot of convenience to the user experience. For the younger generations that have grown up in these times, it is almost natural to accept these changes. Technology, no doubt, makes life easy. But these changes are daunting for seniors who are not acquainted with technology and evince a natural resistance to accept change. If we do not address this gap between seniors and technology today, life for them tomorrow with newer and bigger inventions will get even more daunting.

Technology can enrich senior citizens’ lives in more ways than one. Most importantly, a digitally-savvy senior is in tune with the times. He or she can independently go about their online business and will seldom depend on people for help. It has been observed that seniors who have allowed technology into their daily itinerary live happier and more fulfilled lives than their counterparts who refuse to adapt to the new changes.

Digital empowerment for seniors is truly the need of the hour. Without which our the older generation faces the risks of digital isolation and may well be deprived of a happier life. Imagine a senior whose adult children live in a different city or country. Social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp help senior citizens to stay connected with their loved ones. As the HelpAge India report shows, more than 90% of elderly internet users utilise social media platforms primarily to connect with family and friends.

For many seniors, moving around the city due to mobility or health problems can be a challenge and that is why mobile apps and websites are a boon to them. Online payment service is another important convenience seniors can avail—from paying their mobile, internet and utilities bills, to their shopping needs that can be fulfilled online. Even banking transactions can be done from the comfort of your home these days. Other useful online services include booking a cab, ordering food, hiring housekeeping help, entertainment on demand, etc. Be it for shopping needs, travel needs or even ordering food to satisfy a craving—there is an app for everything. In fact, there is an app to teach you how to use other apps.

Learning something about a smart wearable that enables self-health monitoring can keep seniors and their loved ones stay healthy. These devices can monitor heart rate, steps taken, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc. Since many seniors live by themselves, smart security and smart devices for their homes can also be very useful. There are AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) applications that can help seniors experience breath-taking views from across the globe sans the travel.

In short, technology can improve the quality of life of senior citizens. But there is a learning curve. Just like when we are presented with something new, we need time to understand it, similarly, seniors require time and patience to learn new things. Just as people teaching them need to be patient. Seniors typically ask for help on the same query more than once. This is natural—to register something new, repetitive learning is required.

Another important outcome of teaching technology to seniors is that it makes them digitally independent. Often, their family or relatives do the task at hand for seniors. This surely helps the seniors but it does not teach them how to do things themselves. It is important that seniors be taught hands-on. Digital know-how leads to digital independence.

There is a need in India for technology training specifically designed for the senior community. They require interactive sessions where they can try out the applications under the guidance of a patient teacher. Only practice will make them comfortable with the digital world.

The focus of the government’s Digital India project has been on the country’s youth. But it also needs to recognise this growing elderly community and introduce training programmes on technology to better equip this group for contemporary life. To see true digital progress in the nation, we need to ensure that senior citizens too are made digitally savvy.

Adapted from ‘Digital empowerment for India’s senior citizens’ which was published in ‘The Sunday Guardian’ on March 23, 2019