Articles

Elderly at Risk of Heatstroke

20/07/2016

Elderly people are thought to be particularly vulnerable to heat strokes and their effects.

The highest temperatures of the year are expected as hot air blows towards Britain from the Sahara desert, with temperatures predicted to reach as high as 34C (93F)

The Met Office has already issued a warning statement for elderly folk who might be tempted to venture out into the sun. Public Health England have also expressed concerns by declaring a level 2 heat wave which is only set when temperatures of 30C or more are expected to last more than 48 hours.

The cause for concern is valid when it is considered that over 2000 people in Britain died in August 2003 in Britain in just 2 weeks. 

The current heat wave comes as much of a surprise after a cool and temperate June.

The charity, Age UK, advised older people to stay indoors and to eat more cold foods, mainly salads and fruits, to keep hydrated in the heat. Older people find it much harder to retain water than younger people. This explained shriveled and wrinkled skin that it symptomatic of aging.

An Age UK spokesman said: “The importance of staying cool and keeping well in hot weather cannot be overestimated, as older people can be particularly susceptible to heat-related illness.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated.”

Elderly people can be left exposed to the heat for a number of reasons, in particular, poor mobility and confused choices. If the person must go out then it is imperative that they wear sun lotion and cover their skin and head. They also ought to have water close to hand .

Simon Partridge, a forecaster with the Met Officer, said:

“The weather might seem unusual because we had a dull and wet June but in fact we are getting back to normal.

“We are set to break the record of the hottest day on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It’s looking good.

“We expect highs of 29C on Wednesday, which still are well above the average, but as thundery showers move in from the east, we will get back to fresher conditions.”