Extreme heat poses significant health risks for seniors, potentially accelerating biological aging and leading to severe complications, according to gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith.
The summer heat can be challenging for anyone, but it presents heightened risks for seniors. Recent research published in the journal *Science Advances* indicates that extreme heat may accelerate “biological aging” in older adults, raising concerns about its long-term health implications.
Dr. Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist based in South Carolina, discussed the relationship between heat and aging in an interview with Fox News Digital. She emphasized that seniors are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, which, when combined with extreme heat, can create a “recipe for disaster,” leading to serious health issues such as heatstroke.
“Dehydration is one of the most common reasons our seniors are hospitalized,” Smith noted. Many seniors may not drink enough water, often due to a desire to avoid frequent urination. Additionally, the natural sense of thirst tends to diminish with age.
“Just because they’re not thirsty doesn’t mean they don’t need to hydrate themselves,” Smith said. “They still need to be well-hydrated, especially during extreme heat.” Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors, such as diuretics, can exacerbate dehydration.
Dehydration can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can severely affect seniors, sometimes mimicking symptoms of late-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Smith highlighted that signs of dehydration include dry mouth, an inability to produce tears, and clammy skin.
“From sun-up to sundown, you want to be sure that you are drinking and eating foods that will keep you well-hydrated and not put yourself at risk of hospitalization,” she advised.
As seniors age, they typically experience reduced body and muscle mass, thinner skin, and a diminished ability to regulate body temperature. The effects of extreme heat can strain the body physically, cognitively, and emotionally. “Stress ages people prematurely,” Smith remarked, noting that the impact of heat extends to brain function as well.
Despite these challenges, many seniors remain active, which is to be encouraged. However, Smith stressed the importance of timing activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day. “We want to be sure that seniors are doing the bulk of their activities during the morning hours before the extreme heat hits, which could be as early as 11 a.m.,” she said. This advice is particularly relevant for seniors living in warmer regions of the U.S., such as Florida or Las Vegas.
Smith also recommended that seniors check the forecast before going to bed to prepare for the next day’s temperatures. “Test your cooling system regularly to make sure it works,” she advised, noting that there are grant programs available to help seniors maintain proper cooling systems in their homes.
For caregivers and family members of seniors, Smith suggested regularly checking in to ensure that loved ones are living in a comfortable environment and staying properly hydrated. “You want to find creative ways to be respectful and to ensure their independence while also helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “This all helps them to age well and not prematurely.”
As extreme heat continues to pose risks, awareness and proactive measures are essential for safeguarding the health of seniors during the summer months.
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