It wasn’t very long ago that we highlighted some recent research about the perils of extreme heat, including the rise in deaths attributable to extreme heat among older adults (extreme heat is the #1 weather-related killer in the US), the connection to accelerated biological aging, and the special vulnerability of older adults with dementia during heat waves. And now, here we are, barely into summer, and the rise in temperatures across the country is potentially record-setting this early in the season. According to The Washington Post, 265 million people across the US will face extreme temperatures and humidity this week, putting millions at risk for serious illness or even death if they are unprepared to protect themselves. So let’s review some elements of risk and protection as we head into the heart of the summer of 2025.

First, as an older adult, what puts you at greater risk due to extremely high levels of heat? We know that prescription drugs, as well as cardiovascular disease, can make it more difficult for your body to cool itself off when the temperatures reach high levels. We also know that the excess humidity that often accompanies summer heat (and that can make the experience of extreme heat feel even hotter- what’s known as the “heat index”) becomes another barrier for older people to cool off, as the humidity makes it more difficult for your sweat to evaporate, which is what makes you cooler on hot days. And we know that as you age, you lose the ability to sweat the way you did as a younger person, contributing to the risk that older adults cannot sufficiently cool off during extreme heat. In fact, it’s known that older adults’ ability to sweat can decline by as much as 25% once they reach the age of 60. 

So what are worrisome signs to keep on the lookout for, both for yourself and your loved ones, as the temperature climbs to record levels? You, of course, need to be aware of your risk of heatstroke, which may be evident from such symptoms as confusion, stumbling, inability to coordinate your movements, or generally feeling unwell. If you reach that state, that’s an emergency, and you need to immediately seek out help. It’s advised that one way to lower your risk of heatstroke is to gradually acclimate yourself over several days to warmer temperatures, keep yourself hydrated, and use water on your extremities to help keep your core body temperature under control. You’re also advised to take such precautions as to wear loose and light fabrics, if outside stay in natural, shady environments (which can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the exposure to hot sun), make sure to always have water with you, and possibly grab some cooling towels to place on your neck or body to physically provide some cooling relief. Staying inside during the hottest hours of the day, preferably in a cool environment, makes the most sense. If you cannot air condition your home, then you need to find alternative places, including shopping malls, public libraries, or community cooling centers. If you can only run limited air conditioning, it’s suggested you keep it in your bedroom, where you can always isolate and which will allow you to sleep at night, especially as temperatures are not cooling off at night the way they previously did. 

While we’ve addressed heat safety issues in previous posts, here’s a good summary of the essential basics you need to remember, according to a recent post from the University of Michigan Medicine program, as we head into July and the remaining hot months:

Drink more water than you think you need. Then drink some more.

Make – or find – a cool place for yourself or your loved one.

Skip outdoor activities – or do them early.

Don’t feel well? Act fast.

Get together with others – or check on older adults in your life.

The most important point is to take heat risks seriously- no matter your physical condition, once you reach an older age, your susceptibility to significant risks from rising temperatures is real and dangerous!