The elderly are particularly vulnerable, and they must stay strong and healthy to boost their resilience to rising temperatures.
"Older people generate less sweat per sweat gland and have a lower overall sweat rate for the same heat load conditions, which explains why their bodies do not cool down as effectively.
In addition to a diminished ability to sweat, the elderly have less blood flow to the skin, which affects the transport of heat from the bodily core to the skin for dissipation, she explained.
Dr. Lee Kuan, a consultant at the National Skin Center, stated that "the elderly have less efficient heat dissipation, leading to a rise in core body temperature when exposed to warm weather."
Beyond age, several drugs may increase heat sensitivity. Individuals with chronic illnesses may be vulnerable, as "some medications intended to treat the diseases may potentially compromise their thermoregulation and predispose them to a higher risk of heat injury," according to Dr. Kuan, who is working to learn more about the effects of these medications on vulnerable populations.
Dr Kuan issued a warning that "older individuals have decreased thirst sensation, and their kidneys' ability to conserve sodium and water also declines with advancing age" .
According to him, "older people take longer to recover from dehydration" for these reasons.
Dehydration symptoms in the elderly "may present with a change in concentration and alertness," according to Dr. Kuan, who adds that dehydrated senior patients may appear lethargic or disoriented.
Keeping the elderly out of direct sunlight is one strategy to protect them from heat stress.
Contrary to widespread thinking among the elderly, drinking cold water helps to cool the body and reduces the danger of heat stress.
The cultural assumption that the shock of cold water is harmful to long-term health is not supported by science.
"All older persons are recommended to consume proper amounts of beverages, not only water. He gave soup, tea, and other drinks as examples.
According to Dr. Quan, the physical environment is particularly crucial in minimizing heat stress because the elderly "have a diminished perception of discomfort in a hot environment". This means protecting them from direct sunshine.
There are additional effective methods for cooling the body down. Dr. Quan recommends spraying water on the skin and using a fan in a dry and hot atmosphere.
"Taking cold showers is one of the ways to decrease heat strain," he told me.
"We must provide education for older adults and their caregivers regarding the risk of heat stress and the prevention of heat injury," according to Dr. Quan.
The CDC uses three degrees of heat stress risk: low, moderate, and high, based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which considers humidity, sun angle, and solar radiation.
It teaches people how to alter outdoor activities based on their heat stress level, with three focal areas: activity, action, and apparel.
For example, at a moderate heat stress level (when the WBGT ranges from 88 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit), people should take frequent pauses, seek shade, drink extra fluids, and keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of heat-related disease. They should avoid wearing layers of clothing, and instead use a hat or an umbrella.
