Staying safe in hot weather

Why heat is riskier

The NIA explains that as we age, the body is less able to adjust to heat, and some health conditions and medicines make heat-related illness more likely. Older people living alone are especially at risk during a heatwave.

Keeping cool

• Stay out of the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm (NHS advice). Wear a hat, sunscreen and loose, light clothes if you go out.
• Keep rooms cool: close curtains on sunny windows, and open windows when it is cooler outside.
• Drink plenty of fluids regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid heavy exercise in the heat.
• Check on older neighbours, friends and relatives, and ask someone to check on you.

Warning signs

Signs of heat exhaustion listed by the NHS include headache, dizziness and confusion, feeling sick, heavy sweating, cramps, fast breathing or pulse, and intense thirst. Move somewhere cool, lie down with feet raised, drink water, and cool the skin. Heatstroke is an emergency: call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) if someone does not improve after 30 minutes of cooling, is confused, has a fit, or loses consciousness.