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Managing Heat-Related Risks for Older Adults

The global rise in temperatures is spawning more frequent and intense heat waves. Prolonged or extreme heat poses serious health risks for everyone but is a particular worry for older adults. “Understanding risks and recognizing signs and symptoms of heat illness are especially important for older adults,” says Dr. Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the Mass General Center for the Environment and Health.

Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can make it harder to deal with sudden temperature shifts, high temperatures, and prolonged heat waves. During periods of extreme heat, these changes can put older adults in greater danger of developing heat-related illnesses—and they may run into trouble at lower temperatures than when heat alerts are broadcast.

What Are Heat-Related Illnesses?

Heat-related illnesses occur when your body can no longer cool itself down effectively. Exposure to excessive heat puts more strain on the body, leading to a spectrum of conditions from moderate discomfort to increasingly severe and even life-threatening emergencies.

“The broader impact of heat exposure is not always easy to recognize,” says Dr. Armand. “For example, extreme heat can lead to heart attacks or kidney injury.”

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others is crucial so you can take prompt action. Early warning signs can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.

Preventive Steps to Stay Safe

  • Develop a personal hot weather plan. Ask your health care team to help you create a plan, especially if you have chronic health conditions or regularly take medications.
  • Use proven cooling strategies. For more ideas on staying cool during heat waves, try these 14 expert-recommended tips.
  • Review your medications. Many common drugs can reduce sweating, alter thirst awareness, or increase urination, leading to dehydration. Discuss heat safety with your doctor or pharmacist—do not stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your health care provider.
  • Be extra cautious with cardiovascular conditions. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, remember that heat places additional stress on your heart.
  • Monitor respiratory conditions. Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be aggravated by hot, humid air and increased air pollution during heat waves.
  • Protect kidney health. Dehydration can compromise kidney function. If you have pre-existing kidney disease, you are especially vulnerable and should take extra precautions to stay hydrated and cool.
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