Heat stress and the elderly

Heat stress may affect older people more than others. Some people aged 65 years and over may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather. Risk factors include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain drugs.

Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself and maintain a healthy temperature. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn’t enough and the body temperature keeps rising. Heat stress is also known as hyperthermia.

Heat-related illnesses range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke.

Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the heat-related illness but may include:

• Hot and dry skin
• Paleness
• Rapid heart rate
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation and confusion
• Delirium
• Fainting or coma.

• Self-care problems – some older people are frail or have reduced mobility or mental illness. These factors make it difficult for the person to take adequate care in hot weather.
• Living alone – there is no one to take care of the person if the person ignores symptoms.
• Physical changes – the ageing body doesn’t cope with sudden stresses as quickly as a younger body. For example, on hot days, elderly skin is not able to produce sweat and cool the body as efficiently as younger skin.
• Chronic medical problems – older people are more likely to have chronic medical problems. Certain conditions make the body more vulnerable to heat stress.
• Medications – older people with chronic medical problems usually take medications on a regular basis. Some medications can hinder the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Kidney conditions – if you take medications for kidney problems you need to talk to your doctor before you increase the amount of fluid you drink.

• Antidepressants, antihistamines, phenothiazines and anticholinergics (used for some psychiatric conditions) act on an area of the brain called the hypothalamus and reduce the skin’s ability to make sweat.
• Beta blockers (heart tablets) reduce the ability of the heart and lungs to adapt to stresses including hot weather.
• Amphetamines raise body temperature.
• Diuretics (fluid tablets) act on the kidneys and encourage fluid loss. This can quickly lead to dehydration in hot weather.
• Opioids and sedatives can reduce the person’s awareness of physical discomfort, which means symptoms of heat stress may be ignored.

• Pay attention to weather reports – temperatures above 37°C are particularly dangerous. Act to prevent heat stress on days when the temperature is predicted to rise above 30C. Take note of humidity levels too, because sweat is not as effective at cooling you down when the weather is very humid.
• Review medications with your doctor – if you take medications, ask your doctor if you are at increased risk of heat stress in hot weather. The doctor may advise that you avoid certain medications or adjust the dosage during the summer months.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol – caffeinated and alcoholic drinks have a mild diuretic action. Limit tea, coffee and alcohol in hot weather.
• Take note of the colour of your urine – brown or dark yellow urine suggests dehydration.
• Stay cool – sponge yourself with water and sit in front of an electric fan.

• Ask for a copy of their patient information. This information should include emergency contact information, medication list and medical conditions, and telephone numbers of doctors or specialists. This information will allow you to offer speedy help in a crisis.
• Check on them frequently to make sure they are all right. Look for signs of heat stress such as hot and dry skin, dizziness, headache and cramps. People at high risk of heat stress – such as those who live alone, are frail, bedridden or mentally ill, should be checked at least twice per day.
• If they don’t have air conditioning at home, take them to an air-conditioned place such as a shopping centre or library for a respite.
• Make sure their home has adequate ventilation. Electric fans help to cool the air.

• Your doctor
• In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
• Nurse-on-Call, Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

• People aged 65 years and over are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather.
• Risk factors include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain drugs.
• Take steps to prevent heat stress on days when the temperature is predicted to rise above 30°C or so.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:


(Logo links to further information)