The Australian summer heat is nearly upon us, and with that comes a few health risks for the elderly. Although we all like making the most of the warmer weather, there are times when it’s just too hot to be outside. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay safe during these hot summer days. A little preparation with these hot weather tips will go a long way to ensure that this year’s scorching summer months are easier to deal with.
Why are seniors more vulnerable to the heat?
Seniors are more vulnerable to the heat for a number of reasons. Medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes tend to make people more sensitive to temperature extremes. In addition, older adults tend to suffer from a lack of physical activity and lower body weight, which means they tend to have a higher risk of heatstroke.
Keep cool with these hot weather tips
1. Stay indoors as much as possible
Try to spend as little time as possible outside, especially if you live in an area that gets really hot during the day. If you can’t avoid going out, try to do it before 10 am or after 4 pm; those are the hours when the temperature is still moderate and it’s a lot easier on your body.
2. Wear light clothing with loose necklines and cuffs
There’s a reason why we love linen and cotton in Queensland! It’s light, airy, and breathable, perfect for those hotter days in summer. When it’s particularly hot outside, select pieces of clothing that will keep you cool. If you prefer wearing a long-sleeve tee to avoid direct sunlight exposure, make sure it’s made from a natural fabric rather than man-made.
3. Stay hydrated
You know the drill: drink lots and lots of water. Even in hot weather, it’s important that you keep your body well hydrated. Don’t forget to drink plenty of cold water when you’re outside — hot water tends to dehydrate you faster, and we don’t want that!
4. Keep your house cool
During the warmer months, keep your house a few degrees cooler than you usually would. If you’re in a position to do so, use the air-con to cool down your rooms, otherwise, turn on the fans. During the day, you can also keep the blinds closed as it will block any direct sunlight coming into the house.
5. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content to keep you hydrated. For example, melons, cucumbers, celery and watermelon. Try to eat them instead of ice cream or other frozen treats! Additionally, we are usually less hungry when it’s really hot outside, so opting for fresh fruits and vegetables will ensure you’re getting the right nutrients while staying cool. It’s very important that you keep your body nourished throughout the warmer months so it doesn’t have any problems dealing with the heat.
6. Slather on that sunscreen!
We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen during the summer. Sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays, it also helps to keep you hydrated. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure you protect yourself with a good sunblock!
