Too much heat or cold can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for older adults.

As we age, cold weather displaces our body heat fast – faster than when we were younger, according to the National Institute of Aging. As a result, older adults are more susceptible to hypothermia. On top of that, they also experience physiological changes that make it more difficult to sense dangerous cold, making awareness important.

In hot weather, heat and humidity place greater stress on our bodies the older we get. And too much time spent in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, no matter how fit an older adult may be.

If you’re older or have an aging parent or grandparent, here are the signs to watch out for and what you can do to help prevent a heat- or cold-related illness.

IT’S HOT

The temperature – inside or outside – doesn’t have to reach 100° F to put older adults at risk for a heat-related illness, the institute cautions.

“Being hot for too long can be a problem,” the NIA says. “It can cause several illnesses, all grouped under the name hyperthermia.” These illnesses include:
Heat syncope: A sudden dizziness that can occur during activities in hot weather.
Heat cramps: A painful tightening of muscles in the stomach, arms or legs. Although body temperature and pulse typically remain normal during cramping, the skin may feel moist and cool.
Heat edema: Swelling of the ankles and feet as a result of excessive heat.
Heat exhaustion: A warning that the body can no longer keep itself cool. Symptoms include feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. Profuse sweating may occur and body temperature may stay normal, but the skin may feel cold and clammy. The person’s pulse may be rapid.

To help keep these illnesses from becoming life-
threatening, the NIA says to:

• Get out of the sun and into a cool place – air-conditioning is best.
• Drink fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are good choices.
• Shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.
• Lie down and rest in a cool place.
• Visit your doctor or go to an emergency room.

If these heat-related illnesses progress to heat stroke – which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the most serious form of hyperthermia – seek medical attention immediately. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.

“Older people living in homes or apartments without air-conditioning or fans are at most risk,” the NIA says. Dehydration, chronic diseases and alcohol consumption increase the risk.

Signs of heat stroke are fainting (possibly the first sign) or becoming unconscious; a change in behavior – confusion, agitation, staggering, being grouchy or acting strangely; a body temperature above 104° F; dry, flushed skin; a strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse; and no sweating, even if it’s hot.

Family members, caregivers and neighbors can help by making daily visits to older adults’ home during heat waves, as well as offering to help take them someplace cool, such as an air-conditioned mall, library or senior center. They should also remind older adults to:

• Keep their home as cool as possible, especially if they don’t have fans or air-conditioning.
• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics, such as cotton, feel cooler than synthetic fibers.
• Not exercise or do outdoor activities when it’s hot.
• Avoid crowded places when it’s hot outside.
• Check the weather report before going outside. If the temperature or humidity is going up or an air pollution alert is in effect, the risk is increased.

IT’S COLD

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat quicker than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6° F. The condition occurs as body temperature falls below 95° F, which can result in a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage or worse, the Mayo Clinic cautions.

Hypothermia can set in for older adults while outside in cold weather or even indoors where it’s cold. Even if the indoor temperature is set at 65° F, it may not be warm enough to keep older adults safe. This is particularly troublesome for those who live alone – because no one else is around to feel how chilly the space is or help them identify the symptoms of hypothermia.

“Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has hypothermia,” the NIA says. “Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for cold weather? Is the person speaking slower than normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?”

People can become confused if their body temperature dips too low, so be on the lookout for early signs, including cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, shivering, slower than normal speech or slurring words, acting sleepy, and being angry or confused.

Later signs include moving slowly, trouble walking or being clumsy; stiff and jerky arm or leg movements; slow heartbeat; slow, shallow breathing; and blacking out or losing consciousness.

If an older adult is showing signs of hypothermia, call 911 right away. Then:

• Try to move the person to a warmer place.
• Wrap them in a warm blanket, towels or coats – or whatever is handy. Even your own body warmth will help. Lie close, but be gentle. Don’t rub their legs or arms, try to warm them in a bath or use a heating pad.
• Give them something warm to drink, but avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, such as regular coffee.

Here’s how older adults can stay warm indoors:

• Set the thermostat to at least 68° F.
• Make sure heat isn’t escaping through windows.
• Dress warmly on cold days, even when staying in. Use a blanket and wear socks and slippers.
• Eat enough food to keep a healthy weight.
• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Drinking alcohol can contribute to a loss in body heat.
• Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.