Older Folks Often Ignore Summer Heat Warnings

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Those at highest risk for heat-related death include the elderly and people with chronic diseases, but "a lot of people were reluctant to believe they were in the targeted groups," Sheridan said. "Even those who felt they had significant problems dealing with daily activities were reluctant to say the warnings were aimed at them."

About a third of those questioned said they were reluctant to turn on an air conditioner because of its cost.

Dr. John B. Murphy, associate director of the division of geriatrics at Brown University and president-elect of the American Geriatrics Society, said older Americans do have ways of minimizing their risk.

"Older people are particularly at higher risk for three reasons," Murphy said. "One is the physiological changes that occur with age that put people at higher risk for heat stroke. Also, more older people are likely to have chronic diseases. And third, they are more likely to be taking a number of different medications."

A first protective measure on a very hot day is to reduce physical activity, Murphy said. "This is not the day to do your gardening or take a long walk," he said. "Not being in the sun is important."

It's best to wear light clothing and give up a well-loved sweater for the day, Murphy added. "And drink lots of fluid," he said. "Some people who have heart failure might have been told not to drink a lot of water. They should talk to their doctors. Also, you can take a shower or bath, or sponge yourself with lukewarm water. A fan can be helpful but not particularly in a house with closed windows. It's just moving hot air around."

Preventive measures are essential, because if heat stroke should occur, "it moves very rapidly," Murphy said.

Heat stroke may be signaled by suddenly becoming very flushed, experiencing a weakening of the pulse and the onset, in some cases, of muscle cramps. Those symptoms call for emergency medical care, Murphy said.

More information

There are more hot weather safety tips at the American Geriatrics Society.