Heat and the Elderly

• Fact Sheet: The Heat and the Elderly
• Danger Signs: How to Spot When It Is Too Hot
• Tips for Staying Safe and Cool (For All Ages!)
• Be a Caring Neighbor: Ideas for Making a Difference
  

Fact Sheet: The Heat and the Elderly

• Approximately 371 deaths occur in the United States every year due to heat stroke. Many other deaths occur from other causes as a result of high temperatures. Nearly half of all victims are 65 years and older.
• Prolonged heat exposure takes a toll on the body, compromising the ability to cool itself. Older adults are most susceptible to this due to the aging process-an older body is less efficient in reacting to the heat.
• Fans are not protective against heat-related illness when conditions reach 90 degrees and 35% humidity.
• Due to the energy crisis, there is a greater danger for heat-related illnesses among the elderly as rolling blackouts hit households throughout the state.
• Skyrocketing energy costs most fiercely affect seniors with monthly incomes less than $1,000.
• Due to budget constraints and in effort to cut utility costs, seniors are less likely to use air conditioners, thus increasing the risk for heatstroke.
• Although hot weather places everyone in danger, factors that increase the risk for heat-related illness include:

• advanced age
• isolation or social circumstances
• heart, lung, or kidney disease
• medication
• high blood pressure or diabetes
• high level apartment living
• long term residency care

• ALL heat-related illnesses are PREVENTABLE!!!
• YOU can make a difference!
  

DANGER SIGNS: How to Spot When It Is Too Hot

After prolonged heat exposure, consult a doctor as these symptoms could indicate a heat-related illness:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

HEAT EXHAUSTION occurs when the body gets too hot.

Symptoms

• thirst
• weakness
• dizziness
• profuse sweating
• cold and clammy skin
• normal or slightly high temperature

If you or someone else is experiencing these conditions,

• Move them into an air-conditioned environment or a cool, shaded area
• Replace fluids such as water and juice. AVOID alcohol and caffeine
• Recommend a cool shower or bath
• Encourage them to rest in a cool area

HEATSTROKE is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, and is usually fatal! If you suspect someone to be suffering from this condition, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!!!

Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 105 degrees within minutes and can cause severe brain damage

Symptoms

• confusion
• faintness
• strong, rapid pulse
• dry, flushed skin
• lack of sweating
• bizarre behavior

Tips on Staying Safe and Cool (For All Ages!)

How to PREVENT heat-related illness during hot weather

• Check on elderly and disabled frequently
• Stay Hydrated! Drink a lot of water

COOL TIPS

• Limit exposure to outdoor and indoor heat
• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as shopping malls, senior centers, public libraries, or movie theaters
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Eat light, healthy foods that do not need to be cooked
• Do not use appliances such as the oven or dryer during the hottest parts of the day unless absolutely necessary
• Turn off lights, they emit heat!
• Use cool towels around face and neck
• Use hand-held or portable fans
• Keep a spray bottle with cold water handy to cool off with
• Freeze water in bottles to use as ice packs
• Limit visits to overcrowded places during rush hour times
• If outdoors, stay in shaded areas near trees or water
• Plan ahead for necessary outdoor activities
• Encourage elderly to dress in light fabrics such as cotton
• In non-air conditioned homes,
• Open windows on opposite sides of the building at night to promote air flow
• Cover windows that are exposed to direct sun light
• Keep curtains, shades, and blinds drawn during the daytime
• Close doors or block passage to rooms not in use to concentrate air

Important Phone Numbers For Energy Assistance

• HEAP, financial assistance (916) 567-5200
• Salvation Army, financial assistance (916) 442-0303
• CARE, PG&E Discount Program 1-800-278-5472
• SMUD Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) 1-800-433-4327

Be A Caring Neighbor: Ideas For Making A Difference

• Organize a "Friendly Phone Call" System: Neighbors make phone calls to check on elderly neighbors during hot weather spells
• Establish an Emergency Contact List: Create a list of neighbors willing to offer help to the elderly in your neighborhood during an emergency
• Set up Friendly Visits: Check to see if neighbors are taking precautions or experiencing dangerous symptoms during hot weather
• Organize rotating early evening socials at homes around the neighborhood so that air conditioners can be given a break at several homes while residents are out socializing
• Help Out With Transportation: Offer a ride to or from an errand to save time spent outdoors
• If energy costs are a factor, take an elderly neighbor to an air-conditioned public facility, such as a senior center, movie theatre, public library, or shopping mall
• Establish A Caring Neighborhoods Group In Your Community: Work with neighbors to provide extra help to the elderly in your neighborhood, Improve your neighborhood by working together for a positive purpose
• Make a friendly visit, keep an eye out for strangers, refer elderly neighbors to various services in the community, you decide what your group can do to help! Call (916) 566-1594 for more information on how you can make yours a Caring Neighborhood.