Long-Term Effects of Heat Stroke in Seniors: What to Know
With easy access to Tampa Bay's world-class white-sand beaches, numerous outdoor activities, diverse culinary experiences, and exceptional shopping, it's easy to see why Trinity, Florida, is a premier retirement destination. Its paradise-like weather further adds to its appeal. According to BestPlaces.net, it enjoys an average of 244 sunny days yearly!
As incredible as Trinity, FL, is, some summer days can be pretty intense. During these hot days, older adults are at risk of the long-term effects of heat stroke. From cognitive impairment to mobility woes and an increased risk of falls, these are just some of the adverse consequences of suffering from this heat-related illness (HRI).
To that end, the compassionate team at Discovery Village Trinity, our beautiful and loving senior living community in Trinity, FL, created this guide. Read on to discover the dangerous effects of heat stroke in elderly adults and practical insights into aging and heat illness.
Heat Stroke: A Quick Overview
Heat stroke is the most dangerous form of HRI.
HRIs happen when the body's internal temperature increases drastically and it struggles to cool itself down. They often occur due to extreme heat events. Indeed, an article published by the Center for American Progress (CAP) states that heat events are responsible for almost 235,000 emergency department visits each summer alone.
As the most dangerous type of HRI, heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition. It occurs when the body overheats, reaches an internal temperature of 104°F or higher, and can no longer regulate its internal temperature.
The Long-Term Effects of Heat Stroke in Older Adults
Seniors often experience worse heat stroke and overheating complications than their younger counterparts. Aging, after all, can impair the body's ability to regulate internal temperatures. As a result, older adults can be less resistant to heat exposure and the long-term effects of heat stroke, including the following.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Because heat stroke causes the body's temperature to rise dangerously high, it can also disrupt blood flow to the brain and damage brain cells. Such problems can result in cognitive dysfunction, including those that affect:
- Information processing
- Attention
- Memory
Mobility Woes
Heat stroke, especially if left untreated, can result in long-term mobility problems through brain and muscle damage. The damage it causes to the brain can affect coordination, potentially leading to ataxia (poor muscle control). Muscle damage can cause weakness, sometimes even paralysis.
The mobility impairment can be more severe if brain and muscle damage occur together.
Increased Risk of Falls
Falls are already the leading cause of injuries in older Americans. As the National Council on Aging (NCOA) states, about 14 million seniors in the U.S. suffer a fall each year. Falling once doubles a person's risk of experiencing another fall.
Worse, heat stroke can further increase older adults' risk of falling because it can:
- Impair balance and coordination
- Affect various motor skills and sensory functions
- Adversely affect muscle function and cause weakness through dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Organ Function Decline
Heat stroke can cause organs and metabolic systems to shut down. It can affect the following in the long run:
- Heart
- Brain
- Kidneys
- Liver
Higher Odds of Developing Chronic Illnesses
Heat stroke can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses among seniors. For example, older adults can develop chronic kidney disease later on if their initial heat stroke severely damages their kidneys. Their likelihood of developing heart problems may also increase.
Warm Weather Safety Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke in Trinity Seniors
Given the extreme dangers of heat stroke, senior summer care and heat safety are paramount in its prevention. Fortunately, HRIs are highly preventable with simple measures.
Here are some tips seniors can follow to enjoy Trinity's warm weather and lovely outdoors while staying safe.
Monitor Weather Forecasts and Heat Events
One of the best ways for Trinity seniors to stay safe during summer is to know how hot the day can be by regularly checking weather forecasts. They're available through local TV or radio news channels and websites like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel.
The National Weather Service (Weather.gov) is another excellent source for heat safety information. The NWS issues updates regarding heat events and recommendations on what to do (and not to do) during such situations.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Right
From exploring the Pinellas Trail North to enjoying nature reserves and playing a few rounds at the exceptional golf courses in Trinity, FL, seniors in the area can enjoy a wide range of outdoor experiences. However, given these activities' location, they can also put older adults at risk of heat exposure and heat stroke.
For that reason, seniors who plan to engage in such activities should:
- Consider scheduling activities in the earlier part of the day (before 10 a.m.), when it's cooler
- Reschedule events set for hours that will be too hot (e.g., if the temperature will reach 90°F or above)
- Cancel plans to spend time outdoors if there's an extreme heat watch or extreme heat warning
Drink Lots of Rejuvenating Fluids
Seniors should never wait until thirsty before drinking refreshing beverages (ideally, plain cold water). Instead, increase fluid intake and drink more often than usual, especially during hot summer days. Carrying a refillable water bottle can also help older adults stay hydrated.
Dress for the Weather
For additional heat and ultraviolet (UV) protection, seniors should wear:
- Loose and light-colored clothes
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Anti-UV sunglasses
Avoid the Dangerous Consequences of Heat Stroke
From cognitive dysfunction to higher risks of illnesses and falls, these are just some of the long-term effects of heat stroke in seniors. They can be debilitating, but they're also highly preventable with simple measures. Timing activities right, staying hydrated, and dressing appropriately can all help.
At Discovery Village Trinity, our residents' safety and well-being are top priorities, so we ensure they have access to a well-maintained central air conditioning system to keep them cool during hot days. Moreover, our caring team is available 24/7 to help and address any concerns. We also have many on-site amenities providing opportunities to exercise, socialize, and have fun indoors and outdoors.
If that sounds like your kind of retirement haven, we invite you to explore our independent living, assisted living, and memory care community in Trinity, FL. Call us today to book a tour!