Whether or not a senior can take the heat might depend on what medicines he or she is taking.
Dr. Matthew Bouchard, chairman of emergency medicine at Altoona Regional, said, "People at highest risk are those who take medications that impair heat removal and who may not have the mental or physical capacity to keep hydrated or remove themselves from a hot environment."
Altoona Regional had 42 patients older than 60 last summer visit its emergency room due to heat-related issues, said Patt Keith, marketing and communications specialist with Altoona Regional. In 2012, 22 people age 60 and older have visited the emergency room since May for heat-related issues.
(Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec)Bill McCaulley of Altoona illustrates ways seniors can cool themselves when temperatures become uncomfortable and air conditioning is not available.
"Risk factors for heat illness include taking medications that may impair your ability to stay hydrated or eliminate excess heat from the body," Bouchard said. "People on medications such as diuretics, or water pills, or medications for depression or other psychiatric disorders are at risk for becoming overheated."
The doctor listed signs of a heat illness as excessive sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
Individuals who have other medical issues may experience these symptoms more quickly and need to be prepared to identify the symptoms, he said.
"Elderly patients with underlying medical problems should consult with their physicians to develop a safe plan for dealing with the heat," he said. "Each person has a different capacity for fluid intake, and this should be determined individually."
A common problem when dealing with heat illnesses is confusion. Bouchard said it is a symptom of a heat stroke in all ages and can cause serious organ damage if not detected. The scenario can be more complicated when the patient suffers from dementia.
"People who may live alone and have dementia and do not become aware of increases in the ambient temperature or have disabilities that prevent them from removing themselves from a hot environment are also at risk," he said.
To prevent heat-related sicknesses, Bouchard recommended seniors stay in air conditioned areas when the heat is at its highest - late morning through afternoon. If the senior has no access to air conditioning, he said electric fans be used to provide proper ventilation.
For healthy, active individuals who are older than 65, Bouchard cautioned that heat illness is still a possibility.
"Perform outside work during cooler times in the day, such as the early morning or evening," he said. Keep hydrated by drinking water or electrolyte solutions like sports drinks and wear light, loose fitting clothing. If you start to feel tired or lightheaded, stop working and go to a cool area to rest.