Seniors and Heat Waves: How to Stay Safe

As temperatures rise, it's essential to look out for the more vulnerable members of our community, including older adults. Extreme heat poses significant risks to older adults, who may have more difficulty coping with high temperatures. Let's ensure our seniors are well-informed about how to stay safe and cool during the hot summer months. If possible, offer to share information on nearby cooling stations or even take them to one. They are typically set up at senior centres, rec centres, libraries and town centres. City or District halls will have specific cooling station locations posted on their website. Seniors are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to factors such as living without air conditioning, medical conditions, and the body's reduced ability to cool itself with age. Medications and reduced mobility can further increase the risk. To help seniors stay cool, check on on them,  perhaps pop in with a bottle of water, ensure they have fans if they don’t have air conditioning, and encourage them to keep shades closed during the hottest parts of the day. Another tip is to dress in light fabrics and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. By being proactive and compassionate, we can help protect our older adults from the dangers of extreme heat. Stay cool, Janet