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Help Seniors Survive the Sweltering Summer

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June 28, 2018

Summer arrived with a vengeance last week, with heat indices well over 110 degrees. The heat can be dangerous for seniors, who are especially vulnerable during the summer. People’s ability to notice changes in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors have chronic health conditions that make it more difficult to adapt to the heat. In addition, medications that seniors take may lead to dehydration, worsening the effects from the heat.

This summer, be sure to check on your parents, your neighbors, and your friends who are elderly. Encourage them to drink plenty of liquids and stay indoors during the heat of the day. Make sure you know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses so that you can assess whether your loved one may be suffering from over exposure to the heat.

You can also keep the elderly in our community safe from the summer heat by volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels.  We are often short of volunteers in the summer due to vacations and other summertime activities, so we could use your help.  And if your kids or grandkids are out of school for the summer, bring them along!  It’s a great activity to teach children some valuable life lessons, and gives them something worthwhile to do.  The safety and wellness check that you deliver with Meals on Wheels may just save a senior’s life!