Summer is a great time to get outside, whether you’re exploring or relaxing on the porch. But the heat can be tricky, especially for older adults. It’s important to know how to stay safe when the weather gets hot.

Seniors may have a harder time dealing with the heat compared to younger people. This is because their bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes as well. But don’t worry—staying safe in the summer heat is possible! With a little knowledge and some simple steps, you can stay cool, comfortable, and healthy all summer long.

As we get older, our bodies change. These changes can make it harder to stay cool. For example, seniors may not sweat as much as they used to. Since sweating helps to cool us down, this can be a concern. Seniors also may experience less thirst, which makes dehydration a risk. ¹

There are also some health conditions that can make it harder to stay cool:

• Heart problems: Heart issues can make it harder for your body to pump blood and stay cool.² Cardiac medications such as beta blockers, antiplatelet, and diuretics cause impaired temperature regulation and heat intolerance. ¹¹
• Diabetes: Being diabetic can affect how your body handles heat.³
• Breathing problems: People with COPD or asthma may have a harder time breathing normally in the heat.⁴ Antibiotics may cause heat sensitivity. 
• Kidney problems: Your kidneys help keep your body balanced. If your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, it might be harder to stay cool.⁵
• Parkinson’s disease: This disease affects how your body controls temperature^{. 6} Medications that treat Parkinson’s, anticholinergics, affect the body’s ability to sweat and control core temperature.¹⁰  

Keep in mind that some medications might also make you more sensitive to heat.⁷ Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and how they might affect you in higher temperatures.

It’s important to know the warning signs of illness caused by hot weather. If you notice any of these symptoms after being out in the heat, call your doctor right away.

Symptoms of heat cramps include:⁸

• Painful muscle spasms, usually in your legs or stomach
• Heavy sweating
• Fatigue

What to do: Stop what you’re doing, drink water with electrolytes (like a sports drink), and gently stretch the muscle.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:⁸

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling sick to your stomach or nausea
• Fast, weak pulse

What to do: Go to a cool place, drink water with electrolytes, loosen your clothes, and put a cool cloth on your skin. If you don’t feel better soon, see a doctor.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:⁸

• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Passing out
• Hot, dry skin or lots of sweating

What do to: Call 911 right away, as heatstroke is considered a medical emergency. While you wait for help, move the person to a cool place, take off any extra clothes, and try to cool them down with water or ice packs.

Heat-related illnesses can be scary, but there are simple steps you can take to stay safe when the temperatures soar. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Hydration is key. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid dehydration and stay cool when it’s hot out.⁹ Try to drink eight glasses of water each day, unless you’ve been advised otherwise by your doctor. Carrying a water bottle with you and sipping throughout the day can ensure that you’re getting enough to drink.
• Stay cool indoors. Spend time in air-conditioned places, like your home, the library, a senior center, or the mall. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans and keep your windows open at night. Dress in loose-fitting clothing and take cool showers when you need to lower your body temperature.
• Stay safe outdoors. Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the evening, when it’s cooler. When the sun is out, stay in the shade as much as possible. Protect your skin from the sun by using an umbrella, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and wearing sunscreen.

If you’re a caregiver, here are some tips for keeping seniors safe in the heat:

• Watch fluid intake: Encourage them to drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Check in often: Visit or call your loved one, especially when it’s dangerously hot outside. Cognitively impaired people at risk of wandering from home will benefit by using a wristband with contact information of caregiver as a safety measure. ¹². (Risk of elderly injury during severe weather). 
• Help them stay cool: Make sure they have air conditioning or fans, help them dress in light clothes, and help them take cool showers or baths when needed.
• Manage medications: Remind them to take their medications on time and know which medicines can make them more sensitive to heat. Talk to their doctor if you have concerns.
• Arrange transportation: Give them a ride when needed so they can avoid walking outside more than necessary. Avoid scheduling appointments during the hottest parts of the day.
• Talk to them: Discuss the importance of staying cool and hydrated. Encourage them to tell you if they feel sick.

Staying safe in the heat is very important for seniors. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, stay cool, and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. With a little forethought, you can enjoy a safe and healthy summer, no matter the weather. 

Current content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• “Coping with Heat & Humidity as We Age,” Medical University of South Carolina, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/heat-and-humidity.
• “Heat and congestive heart failure: a dangerous combination," Reid Health, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/heat-and-congestive-heart-failure-a-dangerous-combination.
• “Managing Diabetes in the Heat,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/managing-diabetes-in-the-heat.html.
• “7 Tips for Breathing in the Summer Heat,” Temple Health, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/copd-asthma-summer-heat-7-tips-manage-symptoms.
• “How Does Heat Affect the Kidneys?” Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.cincinnatikidneydocs.com/blog/heat-affect-kidneys.
• “Parkinson’s Disease & Body Temperature Regulation,” American Parkinson Disease Association, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/temperature-dysregulation-and-parkinsons.
• “Heat and Medications—Guidance for Clinicians,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html.
• “Heat exhaustion,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250.
• “10 Reasons Why Hydration is Important,” National Council on Aging, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important.
• “Parkinson’s medications may impair body’s ability to keep cool
  : Study. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/parkinsons-medications-may-impair-ability-body-keep-cool-study/
• “Understanding Heat Intolerance and Medication”. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://www.catholichealthli.org/blog/understanding-heat-intolerance-and-medication
• “Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults”. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adults