Heat stress may affect older people more than others. Some people aged 65 years and over may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather. Risk factors include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain drugs.

Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself and maintain a healthy temperature. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn’t enough and the body temperature keeps rising. Heat stress is also known as hyperthermia.

Heat-related illnesses range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke. 
 

Symptoms of heat stress

The symptoms depend on the heat-related illness, but may include:

• hot and dry skin
• paleness
• rapid heart rate
• muscle cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• disorientation and confusion
• delirium
• fainting or coma
• worsening of pre-existing medical conditions.

Risk factors for heat stress in the elderly

Factors that increase the risk of heat stress in elderly people include:

• Self-care problems – some older people are frail or have reduced mobility or mental illness. These factors make it difficult for the person to take adequate care in hot weather.
• Living alone – there is no one to take care of the person if the person ignores symptoms.
• Physical changes – the ageing body doesn’t cope with sudden stresses as quickly as a younger body. For example, on hot days, elderly skin is not able to produce sweat and cool the body as efficiently as younger skin.
• Chronic medical problems – older people are more likely to have chronic medical problems. Certain conditions make the body more vulnerable to heat stress.
• Medications – older people with chronic medical problems usually take medications on a regular basis. Some medications can hinder the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Kidney conditions – if you take medications for kidney problems, you need to talk to your doctor before you increase the amount of fluid you drink.

Medications and hot weather

Some medications increase the risk of heat stress. How this works varies according to the medication, for example:

• Antidepressants, antihistamines, phenothiazines and anticholinergics (used for some psychiatric conditions) act on an area of the brain that controls the skin’s ability to make sweat.
• Beta blockers (heart tablets) reduce the ability of the heart and lungs to adapt to stresses including hot weather.
• Amphetamines raise body temperature.
• Diuretics (fluid tablets) act on the kidneys and encourage fluid loss. This can quickly lead to dehydration in hot weather.
• Opioids and sedatives can reduce the person’s awareness of physical discomfort, which means symptoms of heat stress may be ignored.

Please note that this list is only a sample. Discuss your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. 
 

Self-help suggestions for the elderly to avoid heat stress

It’s important to be sensible in hot weather, for example, stay indoors, avoid strenuous activity, wear lightweight clothing, and drink cool water regularly throughout the day.

Other simple measures that can reduce your risk of heat stress include:

• Pay attention to weather reports – temperatures above 37 °C are particularly dangerous. Act to prevent heat stress on days when the temperature is predicted to rise above 30 °C. Take note of humidity levels too, because sweating is not as effective at cooling you down when the weather is very humid.
• Review medications with your doctor – if you take medications, ask your doctor if you are at increased risk of heat stress in hot weather. The doctor may advise that you avoid certain medications or adjust the dosage during the summer months.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol – caffeinated and alcoholic drinks have a mild diuretic action. Limit tea, coffee and alcohol in hot weather.
• Take note of the colour of your urine – brown or dark yellow urine suggests dehydration.
• Stay cool – turn on your air conditioner and set to ‘cool’. If you do not have an air conditioner, try cool showers or use wet towels and sit in front of an electric fan.

How to help an elderly relative or friend

There are many ways that you can help your elderly relative or friend avoid heat stress. Suggestions include:

• Ask for a copy of their patient information. This information should include emergency contact information, medication list and medical conditions, and telephone numbers of doctors or specialists. This information will allow you to offer speedy help in a crisis.
• Check on them frequently to make sure they are all right. Look for signs of heat stress such as hot and dry skin, dizziness, headache and cramps. People at high risk of heat stress – such as those who live alone, are frail, bedridden or mentally ill, should be checked at least twice a day.
• If they don’t have air conditioning at home, take them to an air-conditioned place such as a shopping centre or library for a respite.
• Make sure their home has adequate ventilation. Electric fans cause air movement that helps evaporate sweat from the skin and the body to cool.

First aid for heat stress

If your elderly relative or friend seems to be suffering from heat stress, cool them down promptly. Use whatever means is on hand, for example, sponge and fan the person, get them into a cool shower or wet them with a garden hose. Seek immediate medical help.
 

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
• NURSE-ON-CALL, Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

Things to remember

• People aged 65 years and over are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather.
• Risk factors include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain drugs.
• Take steps to prevent heat stress on days when the temperature is predicted to rise above 30°C or so.

You might also be interested in:

• Healthy ageing - stay involved.
• Healthy ageing - stay physically active.
• Heat stress and heat-related illness.

Want to know more?

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: August 2012

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.