How To Stay Safe During Heatwaves

Rising temperatures and heat waves can impact the health of older adults in a significant way. Here’s what to watch out for.

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide, including in India, making urban older adults particularly vulnerable. Heatwaves in India are becoming more frequent and intense, impacting cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. In Haryana's Gurugram, the temperature hovered around 44 degrees on May 22, prompting Anand Raj Sahai and his wife Mala, both in their 70s, to cancel an impending visit to the bank. "We take autorickshaws to travel, and the hot air after 11 am is unbearable. Why risk a heatstroke by stepping out?" Mala Sahai said.

The Sahais took the right decision.

"Hotter days can cause difficulty in the body's ability to regulate its temperature. This can be challenging for older adults, who typically do not adjust as well as others to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect the body's response to temperature," says Dr Naganath Narasimhan Prem, Consultant Geriatrician and Elderly Care Specialist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai. 

As temperatures continue to rise, dehydration is one of the most significant health impacts. With rising mercury levels, the body loses fluids through sweating, leading to an increased risk of dehydration. For example, a 2015 heatwave in India caused a 43 per cent rise in hospitalisations due to dehydration among individuals who were 60 years and older. Older adults are also more susceptible to heatstroke, which occurs when the body's ability to regulate temperature fails.

According to a study by the Public Health Foundation of India, urban areas are at a higher risk of health problems during heatwaves due to the absorption and retention of heat by concrete buildings and asphalt roads, leading to higher temperatures than rural areas.

What are heat-related illnesses? 

According to Dr Narasimhan, heat-related illnesses can present as:  

• Heat syncope: sudden dizziness that can happen when you are active in hot weather.
• Heat cramps: painful tightening or spasms of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or intense exercise.
• Heat exhaustion: a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseous. You may sweat a lot. 

Besides impacting older adults physically, rising temperatures can also restrict their mobility and daily activities outside, affecting other areas of their lives. "Decreased mobility is always a risk," says Dr Narasimhan. "Immobility increases dependency, and that affects the quality of life. However, adequate planning, including travel time, visiting cooler places, and always keeping water, can help older adults safely organise outings during extreme heat."

What measures should elders take to ensure they stay healthy through scorching hot summer days? Dr Narasimhan shared some pointers.

• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, yogurt-based drinks or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. 
• If you live in a home without air conditioning or fans, keep your space as cool as possible. Keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and open windows at night.
• If an older adult must leave the house to travel somewhere, it should be earlier in the morning so that you reach the place before midday. Another time to step out is later in the evening.
• If you do not drive or own a four-wheeler, consider taking an air-conditioned taxi if you travel. Don't stand outside in the heat waiting for a bus. If possible, avoid public transport that is open to the elements.
• Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton may feel cooler than synthetic fibres.
• Avoid outdoor exercising and other physical activity when it is scorching. Instead, try to find someplace you can be active while staying cool indoors.
• Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it throughout the day, especially if your skin is continuously exposed to the sun. Wear a hat and other protective clothing, and sunglasses.
• It's important to talk to your geriatrician if you take any medications that could increase your risk of overheating or sunburn.
• Older adults with multiple diseases, different medicine combinations, immobility, and living alone are at greater risk and should be monitored by their family or doctor. 
• Remember to get out of the sun and into a cool, ideally air-conditioned place to keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke.
• Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
• Lie down and rest as often as you can.

Does the changing weather and rising temperature impact your health? What are the measures you take to stay cool during a heatwave? Tell us in the comments below.

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