For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death

Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat strokeare known to be dangerous for everyone, but older adults are at heightened risk and are likely to suffer more drastic health consequences if those close to them, whether that be family members, friends, or caregivers, are not vigilant.

Healthy aging scholarand gerontologist Li-Mei Chenspecializes in the health and well-being of older adults, and how caregivers and systems can better support them. Chen, assistant professor of social work at George Mason University's College of Public Health, answers pressing questions on how to keep older adults safe in extreme heat, offering actionable preventive measures key to protection from heat exposure.

Why are heat-related illnesses particularly dangerous for older adults?

Failing to understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening. Compared to younger people, older adults require more water for the body to function properly, such as producing sweat to cool the body. Furthermore, older adults are less sensitive to thirst and will forego drinking water as often as they should. Also, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, which can be exacerbated by extreme heat.

How do common heat-related illnesses manifest differently among seniors?

Heat-related illnesses can manifest differently in older adults. People aged 60 years and older and individuals with obesity, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or long-standing diabetes are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Aging and chronic diseases may impair the body's ability to regulate core body temperature in hot conditions.

Additionally, personal circumstances contribute to an increased risk of heat-related illness. Older adults who are unable to leave their homes, lack contact with other people, experience severe mental illness, poverty, and decreased mobility face even greater risk.

What are some early warning signs to look out for?

Early signsof heat-related illnessinclude dizziness, redness in the face, excessive sweating, muscle pain, and leg cramps. As the symptoms worsen, older adults may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakened consciousness, and high body temperature.

If you are with someone showing signs of heat-related illness, remove them from direct sunlight, such as to under the shade of a tree, and try to relocate them to a cooler environment. Placing cold wet clothes on the forehead and neck can help alleviate symptoms and bring body temperature down. If symptoms are not improving, call 911 so medical professionals can render care.

Top 10 Tips to keep older adults safe and healthy in extreme heat

1. Check the weather before going out.

2. Ensure any venue is older adult-friendly with access to sitting areas and places to escape the heat periodically.

3. Hydrate! Take small sips of water regularly, even if not thirsty.

4. Apply and reapply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.

5. Wear sunglasses and a hat.

6. Dress in breathable, lightweight clothing.

7. Monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

8. Adjust air conditioning as needed to keep indoor spaces cool.

9. Keep furniture away from direct sunlight.

10. Have a plan in place in case of emergency with family, friends, and neighbors, and be prepared to take action.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Li-Mei Chen about heat and older adults, please contact media contact Michelle Thompson at [email protected].

Li-Mei Chenis a gerontologist and a healthy aging scholar.She is an assistant professor of social work in George Mason University's College of Public Health. She is also a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Chen's teaching and research focus on dementia and aging, productive aging, intersectionality and the role of lifecoursein older ethnic minorities, community gerontology, and social policy. Her recent projects included hosting an international seminar in Japan on person-centered care for dementia, community-based strategies for civic engagement of older adults and the role of structural injustices and social exclusion on minority health and well-being. Her research includes developing a VR-based training for certified nursing assistants that will expand empathy for dementia patients. Recently, Chen took part in the annual Gerontological Society of America's (GSA) Capitol Hill Advocacy Day to champion aging-related policy priorities.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

About College of Public Health at George Mason University

The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college's transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public's health and well-being throughout the lifespan.