Staying Cool this Summer

Hundreds of heat records are being set across the country. Some planes are being grounded because the shimmering heat makes it dangerous to fly. And some municipalities are asking residents to turn their thermostats way up to protect the energy grid.

This “mega-heat wave,” as some weather experts have dubbed it, brings an increased risk of heat-related illnesses like dehydration and heatstroke. Older bodies are not as hydrated and don’t sweat as much — making it more difficult to cool down.

"Heat can really be threatening to older adults,” says Christine E. Kistler, a physician in the Department of Family Medicine and the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. “The heat you might have been able to take in your 30s, you're not physiologically able to cope with in your 80s."

The risk of illness from hot weather is particularly high for those over 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that 36 percent of heat-related deaths in the U.S. were in that age category. As people age, bodies don't adjust well to sudden changes in temperature, and prescription medications and chronic illnesses can affect a response to heat.

Kistler, says this latest heat wave — which isn’t even coming at the peak of summer hot weather — raises concerns.

“My worry is that this is something we’re going to have to face year after year,” she says. She bristles at the idea that power grid operators are urging older adults to push their home temperatures way up, saying that request should be targeted at a younger population.

Existing health conditions like diabetes, a history of heart disease and high blood pressure — more common in older adults — can also make people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, she says. Plus, diuretics, sedatives, beta blockers and other heart and high blood pressure medicines may make it more difficult for people to cool themselves. Check with your doctor about whether medications you take could contribute to overheating.

Cooling strategies

Stay inside on the hottest days. Seek out air-conditioned areas. If you don't have air conditioning at home, some communities offer cooling centers during heat waves. There are also low-income energy assistance programs if you're having trouble paying your electric bill. Contact the nearest office for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for more information.

Take a dip. That could mean going for a swim or a float in a pool or a lake, but it can also mean taking a cool shower or running through a backyard sprinkler (with the kids or not).

Seek out shade. Take a walk in the woods instead of on a path in full sun, or do some gardening under a tree. If you need to go out, shift your timing to early morning or evening when the sun isn't as strong and more shade is available.

Get more water. Get in the habit of sipping regularly. As people age, the ability to sense thirst wanes, so drink liquids often in hot weather, Maddow says. Flavoring water with fruits and even vegetables like cucumber can make it more inviting, Culler says, and some reusable water bottles include a core to load with lemons, apples or strawberries. Some fruits have a high water content, so choose watermelon or grapes for snacking.

Don’t’ Forget About Man’s Best Friend. A good rule of thumb: If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your canine companion, says Katie True, a veterinarian and medical director of Midtown Animal Hospital in Sacramento, California. However, it depends on the dog's health, activity and acclimation to the climate, she adds.

Heatstroke may occur when a dog's body temperature (normally around 101.5 degrees) rises to 106 degrees or higher. One of the most common causes of heatstroke is leaving a dog in a hot vehicle without sufficient air flow. Never leave a dog alone in a car, especially in the summer, even with the windows partially open.

As you walk your dog, remember that ground surfaces like asphalt, sand and metal absorb heat from the sun and can become so hot they can burn the sensitive pads of paws. If you think these surfaces might be too hot, guide your dog to the grass or avoid these areas until they cool down.