Heat waves are a cause for alarm for the population, which must take extreme precautions to keep the body properly hydrated and also deal with high temperatures. However, older people are more vulnerable to heat, so special care must be taken in their case. The main reason behind this is that their thermoregulatory system is not as efficient as at younger ages. So they perceive temperature changes later and therefore have a better margin of action.
In addition, older people also have less sensitivity in terms of thirst. All of this makes them potential victims of dehydration or heat stroke, called hyperthermia. Prevention, as well as the ability to observe certain warning symptoms, will be key to preserving the health of the elderly in summer.
Older people are especially sensitive to the adverse effects of heat, so they should avoid exposing themselves to certain risk situations by all means. The most obvious is not to frequent high-temperature environments. For example, going outside only early or late in the day, when it is cooler. As well as maintaining control of the heat in the house, lowering the blinds in the central hours of the day, to block the sun and that it overheats the rooms. As well as getting ventilation devices that can alleviate the sensation of heat.
Another fundamental factor has to do with clothing, since you have to opt for highly breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. It is also recommended that the garments be loose and in light colors. Also, although it tends to be forgotten, a hat or cap will be of great help to prevent your head from being too exposed to the sun outdoors.
It is advisable to avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages, as they favor dehydration. Instead, it is important to drink water frequently, as well as other liquids that help hydrate the body, such as juices or infusions. In season of high temperatures should be ingested between two and three liters.
A person suffers a heat stroke when exposed to an increase in temperature with which his body is not able to deal, cannot adapt and, therefore, suffers from hyperthermia. Older people take longer to realize this, so special attention needs to be paid to possible symptoms.
