If you’re a longtime Greenville resident, or even if you’ve only lived in the area for a few years, you’re probably already bracing for summer weather. According to Weather Atlas, in July, Greenville sees average highs of about 90 degrees. July is also the rainiest month of the year in Greenville, adding humidity to the heat.
Summer means fun in the sun, but it is important to take precautions to keep yourself safe in the hot weather, especially if you are an older adult. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) writes, “Older people are at significant increased risk of heat-related illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia, during the summer months.”
And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), because of a variety of factors including medical conditions and prescription medications, seniors are more likely to suffer from heat-related issues than younger people are.
But being safe doesn’t have to mean being bored this summer! Read on to learn how to recognize signs of heat exhaustion in seniors and how to beat the heat and enjoy the summer months.
Signs and Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
Here are some of the most common signs and risk factors of heat exhaustion to watch out for this summer.
Unusual Sweating
Heavy sweating and no sweating can both indicate heat exhaustion in seniors. This may seem contradictory, but don’t let it make you panic anytime you feel a bead of moisture on your forehead! You know your body and what’s “normal” for you; the key here is to monitor yourself for a level of sweat that is unusual for you.
Tiredness or Weakness
Even young, fit marathon runners are likely to feel more tired than they normally do when temperatures climb into the 80s and beyond. Again, the important thing is to pay attention to unusual tiredness or weakness. Feeling winded after a summer hike is probably normal; feeling like you need to sit down immediately after a short walk may not be.
Pale, Cold, or Clammy Skin
The summer sun should bring a healthy glow to your skin. If you or a loved one notices that you’re looking pale instead, it might be a sign that your body temperature is off because of heat exhaustion. Other skin-related warning signs include skin that is cold or clammy (e.g., moist with goosebumps) to the touch. Of course, you don’t want to be sunburned or overheated, either; as with the signs above, moderation is key.
Dizziness or Headaches
If minor movement such as moving from a sitting or standing position makes you feel dizzy or as if you might faint, this is likely a sign of a heat exhaustion-related drop in blood pressure. Also be aware of lingering headaches after sun exposure.
As the NIH quote above points out, heat exhaustion is just one of many types of hyperthermia for seniors to be aware of during the summer. Take care to identify signs of other kinds of heat-related issues, and be sure to listen to your body and trust your instincts.
Ways to Beat the Heat
Don’t be afraid to get outside and have fun! Follow these tips to stay safe while doing so.
Stay Hydrated
Of course it’s important to drink plenty of water year-round, but particularly during summer months as we sweat and our bodies lose fluid more quickly. As you enjoy all that Greenville has to offer during the summer months, make sure to take water with you — and don’t forget sunscreen!
Check the Forecast
There’s no reason to stay inside from June to September. Some days will be hotter than others, so stay on top of the Greenville forecast to plan outdoor activities or day trips for days that promise reasonable high temperatures and/or cloud cover. On those superhot days, indulge in air conditioning by visiting an indoor pool or enjoying a “beach read” from your comfiest chair.
Take It Easy
It’s easy to feel pressure during the summer to take advantage of every opportunity, even in years without a COVID-19 pandemic. But as restrictions lift and you and your loved ones want to make up for lost time together, remember not to push yourself! There are plenty of ways to be social and have fun this summer without incurring risks such as heat exhaustion.
We at The Gardens at Eastside wish you a safe, comfortable, happy summer! If you’d like to beat the heat with more information about summer safety and tips on enjoying these warmer months, subscribe to our blog.
