My father lives alone and is 89 years of age. I worry about the effects of the heat on his health, especially because it looks like we ll have an especially hot summer this year. My husband and I encourage him to run the air conditioning but he says he doesn t want to unless he has to. Temperatures are already climbing, and it is more important than ever for relatives, friends and neighbors to check on seniors like your father.
Many people are unaware that high temperatures place a big burden on the heart and blood vessels.
Heat, quite simply, makes it harder for the heart to pump. Temperatures over 85, especially when coupled with high humidity, can really mean trouble. In 1980, in fact, a national heatwave claimed the lives of thousands of people, the majority of whom were over age 65. Early signs someone may have heat stress include fatigue and lack of appetite. As symptoms worsen, someone might suffer headaches, dizziness, or chest pains.