High summer temperatures require some care to maintain the body’s health and quality of life. This is especially true for elderly people, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat, which can lead to dehydration or hyperthermia. This condition occurs when the body has a higher temperature than normal. Additionally, there is a known risk of skin cancer.
Or vice-president from Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Dr. Leonardo Oliva, talks about the importance of being aware of the symptoms of increased body temperature: “We should be concerned, especially with any signs and symptoms that may appear on very hot days. Signs such as dizziness, headache and malaise can evolve into more serious situations such as fainting and seizures.”
Another issue worth mentioning is hydration. Elderly people tend to have a reduced sensation of thirst, in addition to difficulty exchanging heat: “The thirst mechanism may be reduced in elderly people, leading to a reduction in fluid consumption. Therefore, there is a need to encourage water consumption, using devices such as flavored water, light juices, tea, coconut water, to ensure adequate hydration.”
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs such as dry lips and tongue, less urine, behavioral changes, mental confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue and malaise, which may indicate dehydration.
Dr. Leonardo also reinforces the care that people should take with the elderly who do not have complete autonomy, to protect them: “Keep the elderly in cool and ventilated environments, encourage them to drink plenty of water and avoid sun exposure during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm), use sunscreen on your skin and lips and use physical protection such as caps, hats and umbrellas. Furthermore, wearing light or UV-protected clothing are some of the examples to be followed.”
Finally, the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology reinforces that due to the climatic characteristics of Brazil, in which the climate has been hot not only in the summer, as has been the case in recent years in the country and around the world, it is essential to maintain care with health in the face of high temperatures, regardless of the season.
“In a tropical country with continental dimensions like ours, it is difficult to limit care to just one period of the year. They must be continuous, both for very high and very low temperature situations. Elderly people are more susceptible to extreme temperatures and should be careful, as well as their caregivers, so that this does not cause worsening of their general health”, concludes the doctor.
High summer temperatures require some care to maintain the body’s health and quality of life. This is especially true for elderly people, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat, which can lead to dehydration or hyperthermia. This condition occurs when the body has a higher temperature than normal. Additionally, there is a known risk of skin cancer.
Or vice-president from Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Dr. Leonardo Oliva, talks about the importance of being aware of the symptoms of increased body temperature: “We should be concerned, especially with any signs and symptoms that may appear on very hot days. Signs such as dizziness, headache and malaise can evolve into more serious situations such as fainting and seizures.”
Another issue worth mentioning is hydration. Elderly people tend to have a reduced sensation of thirst, in addition to difficulty exchanging heat: “The thirst mechanism may be reduced in elderly people, leading to a reduction in fluid consumption. Therefore, there is a need to encourage water consumption, using devices such as flavored water, light juices, tea, coconut water, to ensure adequate hydration.”
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs such as dry lips and tongue, less urine, behavioral changes, mental confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue and malaise, which may indicate dehydration.
Dr. Leonardo also reinforces the care that people should take with the elderly who do not have complete autonomy, to protect them: “Keep the elderly in cool and ventilated environments, encourage them to drink plenty of water and avoid sun exposure during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm), use sunscreen on your skin and lips and use physical protection such as caps, hats and umbrellas. Furthermore, wearing light or UV-protected clothing are some of the examples to be followed.”
Finally, the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology reinforces that due to the climatic characteristics of Brazil, in which the climate has been hot not only in the summer, as has been the case in recent years in the country and around the world, it is essential to maintain care with health in the face of high temperatures, regardless of the season.
“In a tropical country with continental dimensions like ours, it is difficult to limit care to just one period of the year. They must be continuous, both for very high and very low temperature situations. Elderly people are more susceptible to extreme temperatures and should be careful, as well as their caregivers, so that this does not cause worsening of their general health”, concludes the doctor.
