10 Suggestions to Help Seniors Stay Cool this Summer
Author: Debbie Humphrey
Living in Florida, we are accustomed to extremely warm weather and hot summer temperatures; however, according to Climate.gov, our world is gradually getting even hotter as the years pass.
“It’s official. According to the annual report from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 2024 was the warmest year since global records began in 1850. The ten warmest years in the 175-year record have all occurred during the last decade (2015–2024). When the new century started in 2000, the first year to set a new high-temperature record was 2005. Now, 2005 is just the 13th-warmest year on record.”
With extreme heat comes the threat of heat-related illnesses and death, says the University of Florida (UF).
“Natural heat exposure is a continuing public health concern. Future increases in heat-related mortality are projected due to climate change. In the United States, an average of 702 people died from exposure to natural extreme heat annually from 2004 to 2018. Heat-related death is defined as a death in which exposure to high ambient temperature either caused the death or significantly contributed to it.”
UF published data about heat-related deaths from 2010-2020, which showed that 27% of heat-related deaths in Florida occurred among people aged 65 and older, which was the highest rate among 215 cases.
UF continued, “Heat-related illness (HRI), including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, occurs when the human body is unable to adequately cool itself. People younger than 15 years or older than 65 years are highly affected by HRI. Similarly, people with medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, previous heat injury, etc.) are susceptible to HRI.”
Hyperthermia & HRIs
- Hyperthermia –Opposite of hypothermia when the body becomes too cold, hyperthermia is when the body overheats and cannot release the heat that’s been absorbed.
- Heat Edema – Swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot.
- Heat Syncope – Sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat.
- Heat Cramps – Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments.
- Heat Exhaustion – Occurs when the body overheats, causing muscle weakness, cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, a rapid pulse, lightheadedness, and/or fainting.
- Heat Stroke – The most severe of the heat-related illnesses, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention! When the body’s temperature exceeds 105 degrees and it cannot sweat, it causes confusion, agitation, and possibly an altered mental state, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke may also include symptoms of red, dry skin, dizziness, fainting, slurred speech, and seizures.
With alarmingly high percentages of heat-related illnesses and fatalities among aging adults in Florida, I want to review 10 suggestions to help seniors stay cool this summer.
- Stay Hydrated. This goes for anyone of any age, but most importantly for seniors and the elderly. It’s been my experience that aging adults don’t typically drink enough water. However, it’s especially critical since seniors are more likely to become dehydrated, because their bodies are unable to conserve as much water as they used to, and they don’t feel as thirsty. It is recommended that seniors drink eight glasses of water or sports drinks each day and stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
- Talk to a Doctor or Pharmacist. Most seniors take medications for any number of ailments or conditions, so be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure spending time in the sun and heat will not cause negative reactions with prescribed meds and get professional clearance to participate in the outdoor activities.
- Wear Proper Clothing. Select clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting, preferably made from cotton or other natural fabrics. Wide-brimmed hats are also a good idea to shade the face, neck, and shoulders.
- Slather Sunscreen. Seniors who know they will be in the hot sun should always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally to block UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater is recommended, and it should be applied a minimum of 15-20 minutes before going outdoors. If plans include water fun, bring sunscreen along to reapply frequently.
- Protect Your Eyes. Most seniors have some level of vision impairment, and the sun’s dangerous rays can negatively impact vision. Always wear sunglasses – standard or prescription – to protect your eyes.
- Stay Indoors During Crunch Times. Schedule tee times, water aerobics, walks, or other outdoor activities earlier in the morning, before 10:00 am, or during the evenings after the sun begins to set.
- Stay Cognizant of Heat Stroke and other HRIs. Heat stroke can be fatal if not caught in time. Always be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which include high body temperature, dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. If symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
- Cool-off. Lukewarm or tepid baths, sponge baths, or showers can help seniors cool off. If those are not viable options, consider using wet washcloths, towels, or store-bought “Frog Togs” dampened by cool water and applied to the neck, wrists, ankles, and armpits.
- Communicate with Family or Neighbors. If plans include extended time outside, seniors should notify a caregiver, family member, or neighbor about their outdoor plans. Wellness calls can be preemptively planned or scheduled to ensure they have returned indoors safely.
- Air Conditioning Rules. I’ve been without air conditioning while living in Florida, and it is not a pleasant experience. If you can stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, do so. If you do not have air conditioning, use fans to keep air circulating, or go someplace with air conditioning: a mall where you can window shop; a library for peaceful reading, a restaurant for an inexpensive senior meal; a movie theater for the latest box office hit; or maybe visit a friend or family member Remember: The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps adults 65 and older who have limited incomes cover the cost of air conditioners and utility bills. To reach Florida’s LIHEAP program, visit their website or call 1-866-762-2237.
The compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers can help seniors with a variety of in-home care services, including companionship, assistance with grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation, personal care that includes hydration reminders and sunscreen application, safe transportation assistance to indoor or outdoor activities and events, and more.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to discuss ways we can make life easier and safer for seniors and improve their overall quality of life during the summertime and year-round.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.
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