Usually, people don’t complain about warm summer days, but when the heat gets too much, holiday happiness can quickly turn into serious discomfort. Even worse, a heatwave can present a danger especially to the heavily ill, small kids and elderly people.
Now we are in the period of a really hot weather in Spain, which have lasted for nine days so far and we have seen temperatures of over 30°C. This heat wave was responsible for between 2,000 and 3,000 deaths across Europe.
If you have an elderly familiar, it is a very good idea to make sure they are prepared properly for such a hot summer.
If the temperature is 30°C during the day for more than two days in a row, the effects on health can start to become a problem.
There are a few major risk areas for the elderly. Overheating is one of the most common risks, and this can also worsen existing problems such as heart and breathing problems. Dehydration is another serious threat, as is heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
It is important to know how to reduce the risk and help your elderly familiar to remain safe and comfortable during such hot waves. Have in mind these few rules:
- Stay out of the sun from 11 am to 3 pm.
- Close the windows and pull the blinds during the day, then open the windows in the evening if the temperature cools sufficiently.
- Drink plenty of cool drinks throughout the day. Ensure your elderly parent always have enough in the fridge.
- Wear clothing that is in a light colour, loose and cool.
- Do the outside activities like gardening in the morning or evening, and avoid doing too much physical activity.
- If the body gets too much hot, take a cool shower, get into the swimming pool
- Forward planning is also a good idea. This could involve stocking up on enough food and drink to your elderly parent to keep them going over the duration of the heatwave, so they do not need to go shopping on hot days.
Have those things in mind and talk to the elderly familiars about that as well. Act quickly if you suspect that your elderly parent is suffering from the heat. The best idea is to go to see your doctor and make sure everything is alright.