July 11, 2024 —2023 was the hottest year on record since record keeping began in 1850. 2024 has a 61% chance of beating last year’s highs and becoming the most blistering year ever.
Hot, Hot, Hot!
The 10 warmest years on historical record have all occurred within the past decade, from 2014-2023. Thirty million people in the U.S. contend with chronic heat exposure, mainly in southern parts of the country.
These are staggering statistics for the entire planet, driving temperature extremes, reducing snow cover and sea ice, intensifying rainfall and changing habitats for plants and animals.
The implications for humans are now being realized on a personal level as never before, with temperatures regularly soaring into the triple digits and natural disasters literally at our front doors.
Seniors are More Vulnerable
What’s more, two major changes are on track to coincide. People are living much longer, with over 20% of the world’s population reaching the age of 60 by the year 2050, just about the time the Earth’s temperature is projected to increase by nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit, assuming greenhouse gas emissions grow at the current rate.
This stands to render older adults even more susceptible to heat- and sun-related dangers.
“The heat that elderly individuals are exposed to throughout the year could grow to five-fold on a global scale,” warned climate change research scholar Giacomo Falchetta.
Extreme Weather, Extreme Health Concerns
Hyper-vigilance against intense sun and heat has reached a critical point for everyone, especially the elderly, whose bodies don’t sweat as much and are less efficient at regulating temperature.
Here are some common heat- and sun-related conditions to be cautious of, not only for the older ones in our lives, but ourselves as well:
- Heat stroke – A severe form of hyperthermia (causing the body temperature to rise above 104° F), heat stroke is a serious emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include fainting, hot, dry, flushed skin without sweating, confusion, uncharacteristic behavior, a strong and fast or slow and weak pulse. Call for medical help and attempt to lower the affected person’s body temperature by moving them to a cool place. Fans, a cool bath or shower, ice compresses and loosening or removing clothing are beneficial actions until help arrives.
- Heat exhaustion – While not as critical as heat stroke (always call for emergency help in the case of heat stroke!), heat exhaustion inhibits the body’s ability to keep cool and can develop into heat stroke if one doesn’t take proper precautions. Symptoms include heavy sweating (less so in elderly people), dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, thirst, muscle cramps and lack of coordination. Move to a cool place, drink plenty of hydrating fluids, loosen clothing and seek medical attention if the situation doesn’t improve.
- Heat syncope – This is a fancy way of saying “dizziness.” In extreme heat (quite common these days with temps hitting upwards of 110° in some places), light-headedness can come on suddenly, causing one to faint, fall and risk serious injury. This is particularly dangerous for older adults with weaker muscles and brittle bones. If you feel dizzy, move immediately to a cool place, sit or lie down, elevate your legs and drink plenty of water. Other conditions to watch for in the sun and heat include heat edema, heat rash and heat cramps.
- Sunburn – Perhaps one silver lining in the global warming picture is that increases in cloud cover, pollution, dust, smoke and other particles related to climate change decrease UV light penetration, according to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. However (and that’s a big “however”), everyone should still take great care to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays, particularly seniors with thinner skin, who also may have grown up in the era of slathering on baby oil and lying for hours on foil mats in the sun! We will explore sunburn further under “Cover Up!”
But There’s Good News
Take heart; the news isn’t all bad. Slowing the effects of climate change aside (a “heated topic” far too complex for this discussion), let’s focus on enjoying the long, luxurious days of summer doing what we love most, be it gardening, taking a dip in the pool, a trip to the beach, hiking or biking a trail, playing yard games, pickleball or sipping a refreshing beverage on the patio.
Here are some ways older adults can protect themselves during the sizzling summer days – now and in the future.
Stay Hydrated
Older adults are at greater risk of becoming dehydrated primarily because of a diminishing thirst sensation and changes in their bodies’ water and sodium balance. Quite simply, seniors don’t notice increased thirst as acutely as younger people, making it particularly important for them to hydrate frequently with water as well as beverages fortified with electrolytes (Gatorade or Powerade, for example). A good rule of thumb is to drink about eight ounces (one cup) of water or hydrating fluids every 20 minutes in the summer heat and avoid dehydrating alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Insulated, ergonomic water bottles in all shapes, colors and sizes make it easy to keep cooling fluids on hand at all times.
Cover Up!
According to the CDC, less than half of older adults protect their skin from the sun when they’re outside for more than an hour. Yet, this is the very population that needs to be the most vigilant, as skin cancer is most prevalent among people aged 65 and over. Again, this is because older skin is thinner and loses fat and water more readily, allowing hazardous ultraviolet rays to penetrate more deeply.
Here are common ways we can all take cover in the extreme heat and sun:
- Sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA protection and an SPF of at least 30, regardless of your skin type or color, is essential, especially if you’re in the water or sweating a lot. You may also want to look for sunscreens that contain ingredients like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. The FDA recommends reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours. Don’t forget the backs and folds of your ears, tops of your feet, scalp, eyelids, lips and skin near straps you may assume are adequately covered. Lightweight UV wristbands that detect both UVA and UVB rays remove the guesswork by changing colors when it’s time to reapply.
- Shade is vital on sweltering summer days and should be accessible at all times, whether in a nearby building (preferably with air conditioning), under sun umbrellas with UV protection built right in, pop-up canopies, shade sails, covered porches, decks, patios, etc.
- Protective clothing –Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron and Julianne Moore are just some of the celebrities who “shun the sun” by wearing nearly full-length clothing covering all parts of their bodies in the sun. While we may not need to go to such extremes, it is wise to wear the following protective gear:
- Sunglasses are a must even in partial sun, according to ophthalmologists (preferably those that wraparound to protect the temples), to prevent against corneal sunburn and other eye damage. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV rays. Don’t be fooled by price or the darkness of the lens; higher cost and darker glasses don’t necessarily mean better protection.
- Hats with wide brims, neck and ear flaps.
- Tightly woven linen or cotton in light colors that reflect, rather than absorb, heat and sun.
- Long sleeves and long pants that cover the wrists and ankles; some clothing even has SPF built into the fabric.
Temps are soaring, but with an ounce of prevention, we can take the bite out of the dog days of summer and delight in this very special time of year.
Find out more about life at Lathrop – all year long!
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