Heat Wave Safety for Older Adults: Staying Safe and Healthy This Summer

By Dr. Steven Angelo, Chief Medical Officer, Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealthcare of New York 

Bronx Voice 

July 8, 2025

 

NEW YORK - Experts are forecasting that 2025, especially this summer, will be particularly hot, which may pose heightened health risks for older adults, according to a University of Southern California study. Seniors may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke as well as complications from chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that are worsened by extreme heat.

 

How older adults can stay cool

• Plan ahead – Follow local weather reports to ensure you have enough food, prescription medications and other home “staples” to get through a heat wave.

Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Drinks with electrolytes are also all right.

Use cooling strategies – Take cool showers, use fans, or place damp washcloths on your neck and wrists to help lower your body temperature.

Limit physical activities outdoors (particularly between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – If you must go out:

o   Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, sunglasses and brimmed hats;

o   Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher;

o   Bring water; and

o   Take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces.

 

Certain medications may make dehydration or sunburn more likely. So, whether you are staying inside or heading outside, check with your care provider to make sure you are taking the proper precautions.

Older adults and their caregivers can work together to summer-proof their homes. Keep shades down when the sun is most intense. Strategically place fans, particularly in doorways between rooms or in front of window air conditioning units to better circulate air. Install ceiling fans, including temporary ones that can be placed in light bulb sockets.

 

How caregivers can help support older adults

• Check in – Be alert to signs of heat-related illness like confusion, weakness, flushed skin, dizziness, or excessive sweating. Seek medical attention if your loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, such as hot, dry skin, a rapid pulse, confusion or unconsciousness.
• Help with activities so older adults can limit time outside – Volunteer to run errands, including picking up prescriptions and food shopping.
• Find out about community services

• “Cooling stations” or other public places, like libraries and community centers where older adults can go;
• Proactive check-in programs or telephonic “heat advisory” alerts;
• Local news station advisories; and 

o   “Summer safety” programs at local community centers, municipal halls or local hospitals for older adults and their caregivers to learn more about staying healthy and safe.

 

Helping older adults during the summer months, especially during heat waves, requires some planning; awareness of the health, the home and the daily needs of our loved ones; and what support is available in their local communities. With some effort, older adults may stay safe while enjoying the fun things about summer.