Summer Heat & Older Adults: 5 Simple Ways to Stay Cool

Summer can be a wonderful time of year, but hot weather can be harder on older bodies. As we age, it becomes more difficult to regulate body temperature and stay well hydrated - which increases the risk of heat-related illness. This article shares five simple, practical tips to help you stay cool, comfortable and safe during the warmer months.

It is Summer – Stay Cool 

Older people are at much higher risk of heat-related illness because ageing reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature. For example, people aged 65 and over often sweat less, have reduced blood flow to the skin, and may not feel thirsty as much - making them more vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here are 5 hot tips for you to stay cool in summer: 

Stay cool indoors & avoid the hottest parts of the day 

• On very hot days, keep your blinds or curtains closed (especially windows facing the sun) to block heat coming in.  

• If it’s cooler outside than inside, open windows early morning or later evening to let in cooler air.  

• Try to avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours (often 11 am to 3 pm) if possible.  

• Use your air-conditioner or fan if you have one. If you don’t, consider going to a cool public place (library, shopping centre, community centre) for part of the day.  

Stay well-hydrated & monitor fluid intake 

• Even if you’re not feeling very thirsty, it’s important to drink small amounts of fluid often - older people’s thirst response may be less reliable.  

• Avoid or minimise drinks high in caffeine or alcohol, as these can increase dehydration.  

• Keep water handy - for example a bottle on your side table - to make it easier to sip regularly. 

• Also check your urine colour: darker urine can be a sign you’re dehydrated.  

Wear suitable clothing & protect yourself when outside 

• Choose loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric (like cotton or linen) which helps skin breathe and stay cooler.  

• If you go outside, wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protection for your skin from the sun’s rays.  

• Try to stay in the shade, and limit outdoor activity especially during the peak heat hours. If you feel unsteady, dizzy or very tired - head indoors to cool down.  

Be mindful of medications, health conditions & check-in supports 

• Some medications and health conditions make older people more vulnerable to heat (e.g., heart/lung disease, diuretics, some blood-pressure or psychiatric medications).  

• If you have a chronic condition, make sure your medications are up to date, stored safely (not overheated), and that you’ve discussed with your doctor how heat might affect you.  

• Stay connected: if you live alone, arrange for someone (family, friend, neighbour or Accent Home Care) to check in on you during a heat event - see if you’re comfortable, cool enough, hydrated, and have functioning cooling.  

Adjust your home environment & rest when needed 

• Use cooling techniques: cool showers, foot baths, damp towels on wrists or neck can help lower your body temperature.  

• At night, make sure your sleeping area is as cool as possible - open windows if safe and cooler outside, use a fan or AC if you can. 

• Take more rest and avoid heavy physical activity when it’s very hot. Being tired and overheated increases your risk of falls, confusion or heat-related illness.  

• If your temperature is rising indoors, move temporarily to the coolest room, or to a public cooled space if your home becomes too hot.