Australian summers can bring scorching heat, making it particularly challenging for the elderly, especially those living in aged care homes or with limited mobility.
Here are 10 essential tips to help you stay cool, safe, and comfortable during the hottest months.
- Drink Up
Drinking plenty of water is crucial and may sound obvious, but it’s important to remind your older loved ones to aim for for at least eight to 10 glasses per day. If plain water has lost its appeal, try herbal teas or adding slices of fruit for flavour. Make it fun by choosing a different fruit according to the day: mandarins on Monday, strawberries on Sunday, watermelon on Wednesday etc.
- Keep it cool
During a heatwave, wear loose, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing to help keep your body cool. Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and better for hot weather. Avoid dark colours that absorb heat or thicker fabrics like corduroy, denim or synthetic garments.
- Fan club
When the temperature rises, the temptation is to crank up the air con. Before summer really hits, arrange a service of your air conditioning units to make sure they’re functioning correctly. If you don’t have AC, use fans to circulate air. To optimise this approach, position fans near windows in the evening to draw in cooler air. If you’re able, take a cool shower before hitting the sheets.
- Avoid the midday sun
Noel Coward really knew what he was talking about; only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and here in Australia staying indoors during the hottest part of the day is a smart rule. If you really need to go out, try to do so early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler – and remember, if you’re taking your furry friend for a walk, do it before the pathways have got too hot.
- Be a cool hunter
If possible, spend time in air-conditioned spaces, like shopping malls, supermarkets and libraries. Many aged care homes have cool areas too and if outside, stay in the shade or near the ocean where cooling breezes often blow in to take the edge of the heat.
- Salad days
Eat smaller, lighter meals that don’t require cooking and time in front of the oven. Fresh fruits, salads, and yoghurt can be refreshing and hydrating as well as a great way to make use of seasonal fruit and veg. Often when the weather turns hot, older people find their appetite recedes so listen to what they would like and serve up a little of what they fancy as often as they want.
- Weather girls (and boys)
Keep an eye on local weather reports to anticipate extreme heat days and plan accordingly. It’s true to say that being forewarned is to be forearmed; for instance, if you know a heat wave is on the horizon, that’s not the day to plan an energetic march around the park or picnic.
- Keep the lines of communication open
If a heatwave is in full flow and your older relatives have been stuck indoors, make sure you catch up regularly to avoid loneliness. Diarise regular check-ins or visits with friends and family, even if it’s via phone or video calls and make plans for when the heat recedes.
- Recognise what heat stroke looks like
Educate yourself about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion. Alert staff or emergency services immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing these symptoms.
- Lean on me
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from caregivers or family members if the summer heat is getting you down. Sometimes it can feel like forever until the season changes, so just know you’re not alone. Friends and family can assist with errands, provide companionship, and ensure you have everything you need to stay cool and safe.
Keeping cool during an Australian summer as an elderly individual requires careful planning and support. By following these tips, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable summer.