They also tend to not get as thirsty, so they drink less water, which decreases sweating even further. In addition, older people often take medications that interfere with sweating, such as antihistamines, some tranquilizers, and heart and blood pressure medications. Avoiding Heat Stroke Everyone should decrease their alcohol intake and activity level during hot weather to prevent heat stroke, Reed added. Overexposure to high temperatures and humidity can quickly lead to heat exhaustion. It is imperative one be able to recognize the early signs and symptoms of overexposure.
Early recognition can ward off serious consequences.
Generally heat exhaustion is caused by loss of body fluids and important salts. If untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency caused by the failure of the heat-regulating mechanism of the body, due to high heat and humidity. Help One reason older adults tend to suffer from the summer heat is that they often aren t mobile and can t travel to an air-conditioned facility. There are several senior centers and recreation centers throughout the Metroplex that offer activities and an air conditioned environment.