Hot weather more serious for seniors

Suggestions to keep cool         

[JUNE 7, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- If it seems harder to cope with the heat than when you were younger, you may be right. The body's cooling system becomes less efficient with age, and this puts increased stress on the heart. That is the word from Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles Johnson, who has issued a list of reminders to help older people deal with the heat that is expected this summer.

"I want to remind older people now to take steps to avoid heat stress," Johnson said. "Although most of us bundle up against the cold, we often fail to recognize that extreme heat and humidity pose similar threats, particularly as we age."

Johnson said that humidity combined with temperature make up the heat index, which is similar to the wind chill factor in winter. If the temperature is in the 90s with high humidity, it can feel like it is well over 100 degrees.

To cope with the heat, older people should take the following steps:

• Avoid long exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids, remembering that water is best.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned or cool environment -- either at home or at community cooling centers.
• Use fans in well-ventilated areas, remembering that a fan in a closed room simply redistributes the heat.
• Have family, friends and neighbors check on seniors regularly to see how they are withstanding the heat.

• Never ignore danger signals like nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
• If you or anyone you know needs medical attention, call 911 or 311 (in Chicago only) immediately.
• Take cool baths or showers and use cool compresses on your neck and wrists.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the middle of the day.
• Avoid heavy meals and using cooking ovens.
• Do not take salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down.

During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local Area Agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine at [phone] for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other familiar buildings that serve as cooling centers.

[Illinois Department on Aging news release]