Handling heatwaves: how can we protect our residents in the sun?
A few years ago, we’d be lucky to see a summer that would hit mid-twenty degrees. July would usually fall between 19°C to 23°C, and whilst it would be hot, it was nowhere near the mid-thirties!
Whilst we love seeing the sun, there is a fine balance between having fun and staying safe. This is especially true of older adults, with dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion becoming all the more serious.
So, how can we maintain that balance and stay cool when the temperatures rise?
Should we avoid the sun?
Not necessarily! The sun brings us many benefits. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and provides vitamin D, which helps support our immune system. More light in the evenings is also an opportunity for social connection, with many choosing garden parties and barbecues as a way to connect and spend time in nature.
However, too much time in the sun can be dangerous. For mature adults in particular, timing is key here. Early signs of heatstroke are subtle, which is why it’s so important to keep a close eye on the warning signs. If someone is experiencing muscle cramps, a loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, and/or flushed skin (to name a few), assume they are overheating. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so take them out of the sun and give them ample time to cool down.
If someone has a loss of coordination or consciousness, rapid breathing, slurred speech, and/or a very high body temperature, this can be a sign of heatstroke and should be treated as an emergency.
Enjoying the sun and staying healthy can happen through both small habits and bigger investments.
Staying healthy with the small things
Older adults may struggle with motivation or may not realise they are dehydrated, so they often find it more difficult to drink water. To combat this, eating foods that are high in water such as watermelon (92% water), cucumber (96% water) and lettuce (95%) can be a great way to top up hydration.
The point is not to avoid the sun completely, as we know it’s good for us, but to pick the right moments. Spending 10-30 minutes outdoors in the early morning gets the vitamin D production, without the overwhelm. Or you could wind down for the night with a gentle walk outside, especially near sunset when the sun is down but the temperature is still cool.
But if you are going out in peak sunshine, make sure to cover up! It can feel counter-intuitive to put more layers on when it’s so hot, but skin protection is so important. Sun hats, lightweight clothing and (factor 50) suncream all help to prevent sunburn.
Staying cool with the big things
Some aspects of staying cool require a slightly bigger investment, but they are so worth the long-term benefits. Examples include home cooling systems, or small air con units, as well as portable fans.
A well-designed outdoor space can also encourage time outside, whilst not overdoing it. This could include shaded seating areas, raised flower beds, pergolas, and water features such as sprinklers for staying cool. Having nine-acres of gardens to ourselves is a blessing, but it’s also important that we can provide the shade too!
Health monitoring technology can also keep older people safe during a heatwave, especially smart watches. These can monitor heart rate and skin temperature. They can even send an alert to loved ones when there is a suspicious reading. Smart water bottles can track water intake and send reminders when it’s time to drink, helping prevent dehydration. Cooling mattresses and pillows can help regulate body temperature, which can promote better sleep.
Overall, handling heatwaves involves care and attention. When we can recognise signs that the sun is getting too much, we can better protect those around us. By prioritising hydration and staying cool, we can all have a beautiful summer!
To know more about our home, please get in touch.
