Protecting elders from heatwaves: Practical cooling solutions

The summer heatwave comes with people drinking water and wearing lighter clothes. For the elderly, however, this is rarely sufficient. Their bodies could have difficulties adjusting to heat, and in more grave cases, present serious health hazards.

If you are worried about protecting your elderly loved ones from the scorching heat that is sweeping over the country, take the necessary steps towards better health now.

Cooling through refrigerated towels and sponge baths

Keeping a towel in the fridge might work wonders. When placed over the shoulders or legs, it cools the skin gently and safely without leaving the person feeling jarringly chilled by ice or freezing packs.

In fact, cooling is not just about AC or fans. Wet cloths can be applied to the different pulse points around the body including the neck, wrists, or behind the knees to help with reducing core body temperature.

While full showers sound like heaven in summer, sponge baths with lukewarm water and a soft cloth works best for the elderly. It soaks their body gently, and is especially important for those having heart or blood-pressure issues since abrupt changes in temperature can be harmful.

Cooling with mist sprays

Another simple yet effective thing would be to keep soothing products in the fridge. This could be anything from lotions, to misting sprays, to even small pillowcases. Its cold application can provide relief from skin irritation produced by heat.

In particular cases, elderly people can use mist sprays over their arms, legs, or face when they feel that they are suffering from itchy skin in the heat. Through evaporation, this is a good cooling option and pairs well with a fan.

Review medications

At times, medications are also known to influence elderly people with increased sensitivity to heat. This is because some medicines may interfere with water retention or heat regulation, raising the temperature sensitivity of an individual.

If you are concerned regarding this, have a doctor or pharmacist go through all prescriptions and see what adjustments could be made to the medication on days of extreme heat.

Keep cool with breathable footwear

During heatwaves, one should not underestimate the need for breathable feet. Coax your elders into wearing sandals or perhaps a soft slipper around the house to keep their feet from overheating. That being said, avoid rubber or plastic on hot floors, as they actually trap heat and add to general discomfort.

Prioritise light, water-rich foods

Last but not the least, focus on food for elders' hydration. Heavy, warm meals tend to increase the core temperature of the body. So, water-rich fruits such as watermelon and cucumber are the way to go, along with light alternatives such as smoothies.