The warmth of summer is upon us in Maine! We have all heard that we need to stay cool and hydrated and use sunscreen in the hot weather. Summer time heat can be especially dangerous for an older adult. This article aims to highlight the increased risks an older adult faces with the summer heat and humidity.

Even with healthy aging, the body undergoes physical changes that lifestyle choices cannot prevent. Some areas of expected aging changes include a decrease of fatty tissue (insulation) between your skin and muscles, loss of fluid in the cells, diminished temperature regulation, decreased sense of thirst and decreased ability to sweat; and these can all be significant contributors to heat-related issues, especially dehydration, in the hot summer months.

It is important to remain cool when the red of the thermometer rises. The physical changes of aging and even certain medications (i.e. blood thinners) can affect the way a person senses and responds to heat. It is not uncommon to see an older person wearing a sweater or light jacket when others may feel hot. Being mindful of this scenario, the older person should wear loose layers rather than constrictive clothing in order to promote circulation. Apparel should also include a hat or head covering that is loose-fitting and blocks the harmful rays of the sun. Older adults may prefer to avoid the use of an air conditioner. If so, encourage the use of shading or open windows for air circulation.

Promotion of fluid is also a critical factor in the summer months. Dehydration is a high risk potential for the older adult. Avoid drinks with high levels of sugar, caffeine or alcohol; these all promote loss of fluid and could worsen hydration status. Encourage foods with high levels of water content, including vegetables and fruit such as cucumbers and watermelon, or even sugar free popsicles.

One malady we absolutely want to avoid is heat exhaustion or heat stroke. One of the first signs of heat-related concerns is a change in mental status, such as confusion. Other signs could include muscle cramps, nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness or fast heart rate. Later stages could include decreased urination or dark-colored urine. This could be a medical emergency, and the individual should seek medical help. Cooling an individual with the use of cool packs or wet towels to the wrists, groins, armpits and back of the neck can help decrease body temperatures. Providing cool drinks (as long as swallowing is not a problem) as soon as possible will also help.

Certain individuals with health-related illness, such as COPD, tend to prefer the air-conditioned environment, and this is also advised for them as the heat and humidity can trigger or worsen their respiratory conditions. If air conditioning is not available, consider frequenting areas that do have it, including malls, department stores, grocery stores, museums, movie theaters, etc. Local agencies such as LIHEAP http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/LIHEAP may be able to offer information on assistance with air conditioning and/or cooling options.

It is never too early to promote positive aging — especially because choices we make now can decrease risks later on in life. Eyes and vision are affected by the sunlight, and the use of protective eyewear throughout one’s life is pivotal to lessening or preventing issues of macular degeneration or cataracts in the future. Don’t wait until your older self wishes that you had listened to your younger safe. Take steps now to keep yourself in optimal condition, and be mindful of steps to take if you are an older adult or someone who loves an older adult. The old saying of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” still holds true. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe.

— Donna L. Hyde, M.S.N./Ed., RN, MGSF, works for the University of New England, which has a campus in Biddeford.