From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard Medicine magazine

People 65 or older are more susceptible to heat-related health problems. As adults age, they lose some natural ability to regulate temperature. Older bodies hold more heat than younger ones when the temperature climbs. Glands don’t release as much sweat. The cardiovascular system and immune system struggle to compensate for this decreased ability to release heat, so the heart doesn’t circulate blood as well and less heat is released from vessels in the skin.

Older adults are also more likely to have chronic health conditions and take medications that make it difficult to tolerate heat. On top of all that, older adults are less likely to notice thirst and may not drink fluids when needed. Read on for some older adult heat safety tips.

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly, even before you’re thirsty. If your doctor limits fluids or prescribes water pills, ask how much you should drink in hot weather.

Stay cool

Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces or take breaks in air-conditioned places like libraries or malls. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, you can try opening windows at night to create a cross breeze or close window coverings in direct sunlight. Also try dampening your clothing with water and sitting in the breeze from a fan.

Avoid the sun

Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible and plan outdoor activities early in the morning or in the evening.

Be mindful of your clothes

Wear light clothing. Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing can help keep you cool.

Take breaks

Don’t overwork yourself and make sure you rest.

Check in with others

Have someone check up on you and offer to check in on them too.

If you or someone you know shows symptoms of heat-related illness — such as muscle cramps, headaches, confusion, fainting, nausea or vomiting — seek medical care immediately.

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