Yet, around the world, temperatures are quickly rising – along with the number of senior citizens. Neither one of these trends appears likely to change. This means more and more elderly folks will struggle to remain safe, unless something changes.
According to Neel, older people are more likely to suffer from accidental falls, strokes, and dehydration amid exposure to intense heat. Furthermore, as all elderly individuals cannot afford central air, those with financial constraints remain especially vulnerable to climate’s whims.
The geriatrician next presented a series of advisable solutions to prevent an uptick in danger to older people:
- Heightened access to community centers with central air
- Regularly drinking water in extreme heat to remain hydrated
It takes a village
While it’s easy to remind older people of the crucial steps to shield themselves during extreme weather, certain health complications – like dementia – can prevent them from remembering.
It is at this point that Neel recommends people to look out for their older relatives and loved ones. Bringing bottled water to their homes, driving them to cooling centers during extreme heat waves, and making sure their houses are prepared ahead of a storm can go a very long way.
