Southwest Florida and Summer Humidity: What Does It Mean For Our Elderly?
Floridians know how hot summers can get in our great state. When high temperatures are are coupled with high humidity, it can make our days difficult and the need to stay indoors often keeps us from doing what we love and what we need to accomplish. For elderly, though, it can also mean a higher risk factor for their wellbeing.
So, what are the risk factors to elderly associated with humidity? Experts tell us that a day that is 70 degrees or hotter with humidity that is also 70 percent or greater puts elderly at greater risk. Our body has to work harder to cool the itself on these days, and the heart works harder to efficiently circulate blood. Older people have a higher chance of heart disease and high blood pressure, two conditions that make humid days more dangerous.
Excessive humidity can cause dehydration, increase our stress levels and loss of sleep. In addition, in our neck of the woods, when heat and humidity are present in the home, mold and mildew can thrive and cause other health issues such as coughing and throat and respiratory conditions.
Susan Nimnuan, Vice President of BrightStar Care of Naples/Ft. Myers says “It’s really important as a caregiver to a senior, to watch for signs of excessive humidity so you can get ahead of any affects it might have on your loved one.” Some signs to watch for include headache, excessive fatigue, confusion or sweating, nausea and swelling.
Here are some suggestions for managing the effect humidity can have on the elderly:
- Seek air-conditioned spaces indoors
- Dress in light-weight, loose fitting breathable fabrics
- Wear hats with wide brims outdoors
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid alcohol
- Take cool baths or showers to help lower the body’s temperature.
- Avoid excessive activities outdoors like exercise
If at all in doubt, call a healthcare provider immediately.
Floridians know how hot summers can get in our great state. When high temperatures are are coupled with high humidity, it can make our days difficult and the need to stay indoors often keeps us from doing what we love and what we need to accomplish. For elderly, though, it can also mean a higher risk factor for their wellbeing.
So, what are the risk factors to elderly associated with humidity? Experts tell us that a day that is 70 degrees or hotter with humidity that is also 70 percent or greater puts elderly at greater risk. Our body has to work harder to cool the itself on these days, and the heart works harder to efficiently circulate blood. Older people have a higher chance of heart disease and high blood pressure, two conditions that make humid days more dangerous.
Excessive humidity can cause dehydration, increase our stress levels and loss of sleep. In addition, in our neck of the woods, when heat and humidity are present in the home, mold and mildew can thrive and cause other health issues such as coughing and throat and respiratory conditions.
Susan Nimnuan, Vice President of BrightStar Care of Naples/Ft. Myers says “It’s really important as a caregiver to a senior, to watch for signs of excessive humidity so you can get ahead of any affects it might have on your loved one.” Some signs to watch for include headache, excessive fatigue, confusion or sweating, nausea and swelling.
Here are some suggestions for managing the effect humidity can have on the elderly:
- Seek air-conditioned spaces indoors
- Dress in light-weight, loose fitting breathable fabrics
- Wear hats with wide brims outdoors
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid alcohol
- Take cool baths or showers to help lower the body’s temperature.
- Avoid excessive activities outdoors like exercise
If at all in doubt, call a healthcare provider immediately.