Summer tips for the elderly

Divya's father, a retired army officer, has always been an active fitness enthusiast. Last summer, one day after his usual morning walk, he returned home and sat down for his tea. Divya saw a blank expression on his face. Sweating profusely, he appeared on the brink of losing consciousness. In a state of panic, Divya sprang into action. She turned the fan on high, loosened his kurta buttons, and sprayed his face with water. Fortunately, her quick response revived him, but he still looked drained and fatigued.

A subsequent medical check-up confirmed that while Col. Kumar was overall healthy, he had suffered a heat stroke, a condition that, though potentially dangerous for anyone, can be particularly severe for seniors.

As temperatures rise, it’s vital for senior citizens, their family members, and caregivers to be vigilant about heat-related health risks. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older people are more prone to heat-related diseases and injuries. Heat regulation in the body of an adult can become complicated with age. An adult body is not susceptible to sweating as much as a younger body could. Sweat is a significant temperature regulator system of our body.

What Temperature is Too Hot for the Elderly?

Senior citizens are likely to suffer from heat strokes in the summer. Heat stroke is a severe condition in which the body can no longer control its temperature. When the body temperature suddenly rises, the sweat-regulating mechanism fails, and the body becomes unable to cool down.

Generally, any temperature above 32°C (90°F) can be considered a problem for the elderly if accompanied by high humidity. A body temperature above 40°C (104°F) or higher can lead to medical emergencies without caution. But the Indian climate in summer is way hotter than just 40°C. Preventive measures like staying indoors, keeping hydrated, and wearing light cotton clothes can be very helpful in keeping the scorching heat at bay.

How Humidity Affects the Elderly?

The dangers of humidity are quite a less discussed topic. The cooling process of the body is hampered by humidity. The humidity keeps your skin moist, making it feel hotter. This affects the pumping of the heart, which is risky for people with high blood pressure. Even elders with asthma are affected by it. The airways in the nostrils narrow down due to humid weather. You may experience symptoms such as - coughing, wheezing, breathing problems and tightness in the chest.

If a senior citizen in your family is experiencing any of these problems, you can help him/her cool down. Move them to a cooler place, loosen their clothes, and keep fanning them. You can even mist them with cold water or immerse them in a cold bath. 

How Does the Hot Weather Affect the Elderly?

Summers are tougher for older people, especially the ones who are suffering from medical problems that impede their tolerance level to heat. This puts them at high risk, as an elderly person's skin does not help in producing sweat as well as cooling down the body as a younger person's skin does. Due to excessive heat, our hearts are pushed to pump harder, which exacerbates heart-related issues in older citizens. This leads to dysregulation in the heart, blood sugar levels, and kidney diseases.

Heat-Related Illness for Senior Citizens

Overexposure to heat can cause the following health problems for senior citizens:

1. Heat Cramps

Muscle spasms around the legs and arms. Keep yourself hydrated with water and electrolytes, and you will be good to go.

2. Heat Rash

Heat rashes occur due to heavy sweating. This causes skin irritation in the form of redness, blisters, or painful sensations throughout the body. Try to keep yourself cool and powder the sweaty portions of your body, and you will stay cool.

3. Heat Exhaustion

When your body cannot control a high temperature, excessive sweating can result in heat exhaustion. Feeling dizzy, weak, nauseated, or parched can be signs of heat fatigue. Taking enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying in a cool place can make you feel better.

4. Heat Stroke

If the body temperature rises above 40°C, medical attention may be needed. An elderly’s heat tolerance is around 32°C. Symptoms of heat stroke in the elderly might include a rapid pulse, extreme sweating, or confusion caused by extreme heat exposure. But everything is curable as long as action is taken at the right time. Shifting to a cooler place, cool showers, or even fans can control the situation.

5. Sun Exposure

There are different types of Ultraviolet rays (UV): ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Long exposure to these rays can cause sunburn, which can cause severe reactions on the skin. Wearing light clothes and sunscreen (broad spectrum PA +++ rating with at least 30 SPF) can prevent you from various severe and painful skin symptoms.

Summer Safety Tips for Senior Citizens

Safety tips during scathing heat can keep your beloved elderly parents or grandparents happy, cool, and safe. Follow these easy, affordable, yet perfect precautions during the summer:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Avoid caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages. Beat the heat with other good alternatives like lemonade, iced tea, or buttermilk.

2. Stay Indoors During the Day

Senior citizens should stay indoors, especially during the peak hours. Summers in India are getting hotter each passing year, so it is important to avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. Dress Appropriately

Every person should wear light, comfortable, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics in extreme heat. Light colours reflect the harsh sun rays, and you feel better. This is the most neglected aspect when it comes to senior people. Therefore, make sure you wear breathable and comfortable fabrics.

4. Sensitivity to Sun

Sun sensitivity increases with age. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to the sun's harmful UV rays. Sometimes, certain prescriptions can also cause an increase in sun sensitivity. Wear sunscreen and protect your eyes with glasses.

 5. Keep Your House Cool

Try to maintain a temperature of around 27°C to 30°C degrees in the summer. Use blinds for windows to keep your room away from direct sunlight. If you are outside, find a cool spot or shade to avoid exhaustion and keep yourself hydrated.

6. Light and Balanced Meals

The body's comfort level is largely affected by the kind of meals we take. Choose a light and easy-to-digest meal with plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits available. Heavy meals, like fried food, can adversely raise your body temperature.

7. Stay in Touch

Always keep a list of the phone numbers of family, friends, and caregivers nearby in case of an emergency.

8. Weather Check

If the temperature is rising, keep the weather in check. Visit https://mausam.imd.gov.in/ and plan your safety. You can also log in to various weather apps on Android or Apple. To determine the actual temperature, check the heat index, which takes into account both air and humidity.

Wrapping Up!

With the continuous scorching summer months, we sometimes forget about the impact it can have, especially on the health of senior family members. Most discomfort affects elders emotionally and physically. But the best part is that we can keep things under control by taking the right precautions. ‘Prevention is better than cure’, and being proactive can make all the difference in keeping our seniors safe and comfortable during the hot months. Furthermore, having senior citizen health insurance will make it easier to deal with rising medical expenses and treatments. 

Source: Top Summer Safety Tips for Senior Citizens by Mudit Handa on Aug 23, 2024 in https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/top-summer-safety-tips-for-senior-citizens

You said, we did - The Mandarmoni trip

Last year Porosh had organized 1-day overnight trip to Taki. The venue was Sonar Bangla. We had written about it as well. Amidst all fun and frolic one request resonated among the members and it was about organizing a 2-day trip in a similar destination. True to Porosh’s commitment to the well-being of its members, a year later, we did indeed made a trip to Mandarmoni. It was between February 5th to 7th.

Alongwith thirty-five members we boarded a Volvo bus in front of the Calcutta Port Trust Officers’ Club and left for our destination around 8.15 am. Enroute Mandarmoni we had a brief stopover at Kolaghat for breakfast where a week advance we paid a visit and placed orders in advance keeping in mind personal food preferences of each and every individual. This saved us time and also chaos in the food court. 

Finally, by 2 pm we reached Mandarmoni Sonar Bangla’s impeccably maintained beachfront resort. A brief rest and thereafter we treated to lavish Bengali lunch spread. Although the items were the usual ones yet the quality of food and service stood out. This was followed by siesta before the evening cultural program unfolded around 6.30 pm. What followed was one-and-half hours of soulful entertainment comprising songs, recitation and games for the members, of the members and by the members. Not to forget before the cultural events unfolded the entire team visited the serene and beautiful beach.

Next day, for most of us, started with morning walk on the beach. The weather was pleasant and so was the soothing breeze. Around 8 am or so assembled for breakfast and what followed thereafter till 10 am was pure unalloyed Bengali adda, fun and banter. The members were effusive in praising Porosh for organizing an engaging event the night before. And obviously, quite a few were curious to know what we had up our sleeves the evening of Day 2.

The entire day was spent in leisurely manner. Most of us had an afternoon siesta before getting ready for the cultural events scheduled in the evening. The key part of the event was dance performance by the Team Porosh. It was sheer fun and enjoyment. The event assumed greater significance because all the team members despite hectic and erratic work hours managed to rehearse and put-up a show like this for their members! It also showcases their passion to the work.

On February 7th it was time to pack-up for Kolkata with box load of pleasant memories. However, this time around the demand has been to organize such get-togethers every six months instead of twelve months. Let’s see if can live upto this expectation as well.      

The Impact of Weather: Seasonal Elder Care Tips

Weather changes significantly impact seniors, especially those receiving home care. Seasonal shifts bring unique challenges and opportunities for maintaining health and well-being. Here are practical tips for ensuring the safety and comfort of seniors throughout the year, focusing on how to adjust elder care practices according to different weather conditions.

Monsoon: Preparing for Rainy Weather

• Fall Prevention: As the rains come and surfaces become slick, the safety of elderly loved ones becomes a top priority.

  
  

• Let’s prevent falls by keeping walkways clear of leaves and debris.

  
  

• Installing non-slip mats and grab bars in bathrooms and other potentially wet areas can offer invaluable support.

  
  

• Warmer Clothing: With the temperature dropping, it’s important to keep warm. Ensure they have access to warm clothing, blankets, and perhaps even an electric blanket for those particularly cold nights. Layering is key to managing varying temperature

  
  

• Flu Vaccinations: Get your elderly loved ones vaccinated against seasonal influenza before the rainy season starts. A healthy diet and regular hand washing are also key to staying well.

Summer: Heat and Hydration

• Hydration is Key: The hot summer months can lead to dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly. In senior care, it’s important to encourage them to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate them further. Fresh fruits with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers, are great options.

  
  

• Cool Environments: Ensure that their home is cool and comfortable. Fans, air conditioning, and keeping curtains closed during peak sun hours can help maintain a cool indoor environment. If they don’t have air conditioning, consider spending time in public places like libraries or shopping malls during the hottest parts of the day.

  
  

• Sun Protection: If they spend time outdoors, ensure they use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear wide-brimmed hats, and light, breathable clothing to protect their skin from harmful UV rays.

Winter: Cold and Isolation

• Staying Warm: Hypothermia is a real danger for the elderly in winter. Ensure their home is insulated, provide sufficient heating, and encourage wearing multiple layers, gloves, and socks.

  
  

• Preventing Isolation: Winter weather can lead to isolation due to difficult travel conditions. Regular phone calls, video chats, and visits when possible can help combat loneliness. Community programs or senior centers often offer activities and social opportunities.

• Nutrition and Exercise: With less sunlight exposure, Vitamin D levels can drop. Ensure they get enough Vitamin D through diet or supplements as recommended by their doctor. Gentle indoor exercises like stretching or yoga can help maintain mobility and health.

General Tips for All Seasons

• Regular Check-Ups: Regular medical check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of health issues. Encourage routine visits to the doctor and keep a check on their medication needs.

  
  

• Emergency Preparedness: Regardless of the season, ensure they have a list of emergency contacts and a plan in place for emergencies. This includes having enough medication, food, and water to last a few days if needed.

  
  

• Mental Health: Seasonal changes can affect mood and mental health. Encourage engaging in hobbies, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional help if needed to manage stress, anxiety, or depression.

Source: June 14, 2024 in

https://www.gahc.co.in/the-impact-of-weather-seasonal-elder-care-tips/