Top Five
Ways for Older Adults to Stay Cool on a Budget
Due to the high heat in the weather forecast, the Area
Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. (AOoA) cautions
older adults who are most vulnerable to heat-related
illnesses about the importance of staying cool. For many
older adults who are living on a limited income, this can be
a challenge. Here are five ways older adults can stay cool
on a budget:
-
Keep your curtains
closed
– While blackout curtains are best, keeping the
curtains, blinds and shades in the home now shut during
the day can reduce by 30% the unwanted heat that comes
the house.
-
Putting a bowl of ice
in front of a fan
– Filling a metal mixing bowl and placing it at an angel
in front of a fan will make it feel as if a nice sea
breeze is blowing through your home.
-
Drinking cold
non-alcoholic beverages
– Staying hydrated with cold non-alcoholic beverages,
helps keep the body cool.
-
Cold cloths
- Applying a cold cloth to your neck and wrists can help
regulate the temperature of the body.
-
Get help with utility
payments, air conditioners and fans
– Many older adults with limited
incomes are eligible for help with utility payments, air
conditioners and fans by contacting Pathway at
567-803-0010. This is for older adults with an income
of $1,835.34 or less for a single-person household or
$2,479.73 or less for a two-person household.
Due to the Governor’s Stay at Home Oder, it is even more
critical for neighbors and loved ones to check on the
well-being of older adults they know to make sure they are
safe. The AOoA is also conducting wellness phone checks to
make sure vulnerable and at risk older adults are safe.
Additionally, the AOoA is encouraging its 180 provider
organizations, such as senior centers, home delivered meal
providers, home care agencies and others to check on the
older adults and family caregivers they serve.
In contrast to violent weather events that cause extensive
physical destruction, the hazards of extreme heat are
dramatically less apparent, especially at the onset. In
fact, similar weather conditions in Chicago in 1995 led to
heat-related deaths of over 750 people, most of whom were
seniors. We remind the community to check on older or
disabled family members or neighbors who live alone or may
be experiencing problems coping with the heat.
Bonus ways to reduce the risk of
heat-related illness
-
Plan any outside activities for the coolest times of the
day – before noon and in the evening
-
Stay in cool places such as shopping malls.
-
Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages - they accelerate
the effects of heat exhaustion
-
Avoid heavy meals. Choose lighter meals & cooler foods –
salads, sandwiches, fruit etc.
-
Since aging can cause decreased thirst sensation, older
adults should drink water, natural juices or other fruit
drinks throughout the day, even if they don’t feel
thirsty.
Note: If on a special fluid-restricted
diet or taking diuretics, consult your physician about fluid
intake during hot weather
Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
Headache, sluggishness or fatigue, thirst, blurred vision,
nausea or upset stomach, vomiting, profuse sweating,
moderate increase in body temperature
Treatment:
Fan or move out into air-conditioning; apply cool, wet
cloths; take small sips of water; if condition does not
improve, call 911!
Signs of Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a much more serious condition. Signs include:
headache, sluggishness or fatigue, dizziness,
disorientation, agitation or confusion, seizures, hot dry
skin (absence of sweating), increased (inner) body
temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat,
hallucinations – Call 911 immediately -
heat stroke can be deadly! Until help arrives
treat the same way as with heat exhaustion (described
above).
For older adults in need
of services to remain safely at home, they may contact the
Area Office on Aging at 419-382-0624 or visit
www.AreaOfficeOnAging.com.
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