August 16, 2004 Page 1 of 2 

EXTREME HEAT

Fact Sheet 

Heat Stress in the Elderly 

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than 

younger people for several reasons: 

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. 

• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to 

heat. 

• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its 

temperature or that inhibit perspiration. 

Heat Stroke 

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to 

control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is 

unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can 

cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. 

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke 

Warning signs vary but may include the following: 

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) 

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) 

• Rapid, strong pulse 

• Throbbing headache 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

Heat Exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of 

exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. 

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion 

Warning signs vary but may include the following: 

• Heavy sweating 

• Paleness 

• Muscle Cramps 

• Tiredness 

• Weakness 

• Dizziness 

• Headache 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Fainting 

• Skin: may be cool and moist 

• Pulse rate: fast and weak 

• Breathing: fast and shallow 
Heat Stress in the Elderly 

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What You Can Do to Protect Yourself 

You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress: 

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of 

fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is 

hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.) 

• Rest. 

• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. 

• If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don’t have air conditioning, consider 

visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.) 

• Wear lightweight clothing. 

• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. 

• Do not engage in strenuous activities. 

What You Can Do to Help Protect Elderly Relatives and Neighbors 

If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heatrelated stress: 

• Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat 

stroke.

• Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.

• Make sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever possible.

What You Can Do for Someone With Heat Stress 

If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening 

emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the 

affected person. Do the following: 

• Get the person to a shady area.

• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a 

tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a 

garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a 

cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–

102°F

• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further 

instructions.

• Do not give the person alcohol to drink.

• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat, or call the CDC public response hotline 

at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY).