Summer is a wonderful time, but it can also be dangerous, especially for the elderly, as high temperatures can cause heat stroke, a serious condition that can cause severe damage if not treated in time. Why are the elderly more vulnerable? As we age, our bodies have more difficulty regulating temperature and the sensation of thirst may decrease, leading to dehydration without us realizing it. To avoid heat stroke, drinking water is essential, as we will explain throughout this article.
What is heat stroke?
To begin, let’s explain what exactly heat stroke is, a medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. This is dangerous as it can cause severe organ damage and be fatal if not treated in time.
To detect that this is happening, you need to be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke, which are as follows: high body temperature, hot and dry skin, confusion or disorientation, headache, dizziness or vertigo, nausea and vomiting, rapid and strong pulse, and, in more extreme cases, loss of consciousness. If you have these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Risk factors in the elderly
The elderly are at higher risk of suffering from heat stroke for various reasons:
- Reduced sweating capacity: Sweat is the body’s natural cooling mechanism, and in the elderly, this production of sweat may be less efficient.
- Pre-existing health problems: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney problems can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Medications: Some medications can affect body temperature regulation or hydration.
- Reduced mobility: Limited ability to move and seek cooler environments can increase the risk of heat stroke.
Tips to avoid heat stroke in the elderly
Some additional tips to avoid heat stroke in the elderly are as follows:
- Stay hydrated: This, as we will explain more specifically later, is crucial. Without a doubt, the elderly should drink water regularly, even if they are not thirsty.
- Seek cool places: This can be achieved in an enclosed space with air conditioning or fans and by closing blinds and curtains to block the sun’s heat.
- Dress lightly: Light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton helps keep body temperature low.
- Avoid the sun: On the hottest days, avoid going out between 11 am and 4 pm, and if you must go out, it is advisable to use a hat and sunscreen.
- Stay accompanied: The elderly should be regularly monitored during heatwaves through regular visits from family, friends, or caregivers.
Why is water so important?
Drinking water is a simple but clearly effective measure to prevent heat stroke because high temperatures or physical activity cause the body to lose water through sweat, and if this loss is not adequately replenished, it can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of heat stroke.
Without a doubt, drinking water has numerous benefits, some of which include: regulating body temperature, preventing dehydration, ensuring optimal organ function, and maintaining physical performance.
Additionally, to stay hydrated, it is advisable to follow a series of recommendations:
- Drink water regularly: Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration.
Increase water intake on hot days: When it is hotter, it is important to increase the amount of water consumed to compensate for the greater loss of fluids through sweat. - Keep water handy: Having a bottle of water in your bag or backpack is a good option to keep drinking, as it will always be within reach.
- Consume water-rich foods: In addition to liquid water intake, it is important to consider that fruits and vegetables such as melon, watermelon, cucumber, and celery have a high water content and also contribute to hydration.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can increase fluid loss and promote dehydration.
Water fountains in nursing homes: a good ally for elderly hydration
To have access to water in private spaces, a good option is the installation of water fountains. They can be placed in any type of business and, in the case we are discussing in this article, it is worth noting that one of the possible places where they can be installed is in nursing homes to help prevent dehydration and, consequently, now in summer, to prevent the users of these centers from suffering from heat stroke.
At Simex we have three different models of water fountains designed with efficiency and convenience in mind, which include a filter to ensure the water is clean and safe to drink. Additionally, they feature low energy consumption design and adjustable flow.
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We hope you found this article interesting and, as always, if you want to place an order, if you have any questions, or need more information about any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you!
