Beat the Heat: Summer Safety for Older Adults
How hydration and heat education can save lives
By Susan Chaityn Lebovits
When the summer sun rises, so do the risks of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. The risks are often underestimated by caregivers and families alike.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), older adults are at increased risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion due to physical changes in their ability to regulate temperature and respond to thirst. Medications, chronic conditions, and limited mobility can further elevate these risks.
Each year, thousands of seniors are hospitalized—and hundreds die—from heat-related conditions that are usually preventable. As caregivers, especially those supporting aging parents from afar, it’s critical to know the signs and intervene early.
Summer Safety Tips for Aging Parents:
Hydrate Proactively
Older adults often don’t feel thirst as acutely as younger people do, which can mask early dehydration. Encourage sipping water throughout the day—even if your loved one does not “feel thirsty.”
Insulated drink tumblers that keep beverages cool may encourage your loved one to sip more throughout the day.
✅ Pro Tip: Add citrus slices, mint, or cucumber to make water more appealing.
✅ Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced urination.
Cool the Environment
Keep indoor temperatures under 78°F. If air conditioning isn’t available, use fans, draw curtains during the day, and open windows at night when it’s cooler.
✅ Consider local cooling centers—most towns have designated spots for heat relief. Find a local Cooling Center through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Dress Smart
Light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing and wide-brimmed hats can help keep the body cool and protect skin. Avoid dark, synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
Here are our favorite summer adaptive summer shirts for both men and women who may have difficulty managing buttons.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours
Encourage outdoor activities before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Walking or gardening during midday heat is dangerous, even if it “feels fine” to them. Encourage your loved one to wear a wide-brimmed hat to stay cooler. Our picks for men and women are foldable to fit in a bag, walker, or rollator.
Know the Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you observe:
Rapid pulse
Headache, nausea, confusion, or fainting
Body temperature over 103°F
For more details, visit Mayo Clinic – Heat Stroke Symptoms
Review Medications
Some medications can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond properly to heat. These include some medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems (beta blockers, diuretics), reduce allergy symptoms (antihistamines), calm you (tranquilizers), or reduce psychiatric symptoms such as delusions (antipsychotics).
✅ Ask a pharmacist or physician to review your parent’s prescriptions each summer.
See the CDC’s list of medications that can increase heat sensitivity: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Check In More Often
During summer months, a quick “How are you?” isn’t enough.
Ask specific questions like:
“Have you had any water today?”
“Is the AC on?”
“Have you felt dizzy or lightheaded?”
With a little planning and a few simple precautions, your parent can stay safe, healthy and enjoy the season.