Summer heat has serious health risks for the elderly, warns experts

Summer heat can be difficult for the body and mind of anyone – but the stakes are higher for the elderly.

Extreme heat can accelerate “biological aging” in the elderly, which raises concerns about its long -term impact on health, according to a recent study published in the journal Science Advances.

Macie P. Smith, an approved social worker and gerontologist based in South Carolina, weighed on the relationship between heat and aging in an interview with Fox News Digital. (See the video at the top of this article.)

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Seniors run the risk of dehydrating-who, when associated with extreme heat, can be a “disaster recipe”, including events such as heat strokes, she said.

“Dehydration is one of the most common reasons why our elders are hospitalized,” added Smith.

Seniors run the risk of dehydrating – which, when associated with extreme heat, can be a “disaster recipe,” said an expert. (istock)

Often, the elderly do not drink enough water, because they want to avoid frequent urination, suggested Smith, and the feeling of thirst also fades with age.

“Simply because they are not thirsty does not mean that they do not need to hydrate themselves,” she said. “They must still be well hydrated … especially during extreme heat.”

“When we think of the extreme heat and the effects he has on the body of an elder … We are also talking about the function of the brain.”

Certain drugs commonly taken by the elderly – such as pills which reduce the retention of liquids, also called diuretics or water pills – can further dehydrate the body.

Dehydration can also lead to urinary tract infections (urinary tract infections), which may have a serious impact on the elderly, often imitating the symptoms of dementia at an advanced stage or Alzheimer’s disease, noted Smith.

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Signs of dehydration may include dry mouth, the inability to produce tears and moist skin.

“From sun to sunset, you want to be sure that you drink and eat foods that will make sure you stay well hydrated and that you do not put yourself at risk of hospitalization,” said the expert.

Seniors should look for physical activity before peak hours of the day when it is the hottest outside, advise experts. (istock)

According to Smith,

The effects of heat can fight the body not only physically, but also cognitively and emotionally, noted the expert.

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“Stress is aging people prematurely,” said Smith. “When we think of the extreme heat and the effects he has on the body of an elder … We are also talking about his brain function.”

Smith stressed that many seniors are still very active – and although it is encouraged, it is also important to keep the day of the day.

The elderly often have a reduced capacity to regulate body temperature as they age, according to experts. (istock)

“We want to be sure that the elderly do most of their activities during the morning hours before the extreme heat strikes, which could be from 11 am,” she said.

This advice applies particularly to the elderly who live in warmer areas of the United States, such as Florida or Las Vegas.

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“Before going to bed, take stock of the temperature that will be for the next day,” advised Smith. “Test your cooling system regularly to make sure it works.”

There are grant programs that can help the elderly ensure that they have appropriate cooling systems in their homes, she noted.

For those who have a loved one who may need help during hot summer months, an expert recommends saving it and ensuring that they live in an environment at an appropriate temperature and are properly hydrated. (istock)

For those who have a loved one who may need help during the hot summer months, Smith suggests register and ensure that they live in an environment at an appropriate temperature and are properly hydrated.

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“You want to find creative means of being respectful and ensuring their independence while ensuring that they maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

“All this helps them age well and not prematurely.”

Khloe Quill of Fox News Digital contributed the reports.