Safety tips for older people

Staying cool in a heat wave

Age UK have produced a leaflet called "Staying cool in a heatwave", giving tips to keep cool when its very hot. Some of the tips are below:

• Keep out of the heat. Don’t spend long periods sitting or working outside during the hottest time of the day – late morning to mid-afternoon. If you do go out, wear a hat and stay in the shade as much as possible.
• If you’re travelling by car or public transport always take a bottle of water.
• Avoid strenuous activity, and limit activities like housework and gardening to the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
• When inside, try to stay in the coolest parts of your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun. Remember that lights generate heat. Keep windows shut while it’s cooler inside than out and open them when it gets hotter inside. If it’s safe, you could leave a window open at night when it’s cooler. Fans can help sweat evaporate but do not cool the air itself.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured, cotton clothing.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Splash your face with cool (not very cold) water, or place a damp cloth or scarf on the back of your neck to help you cool off.
• Staying cool in a heatwave
• Drink lots of fluid – even if you aren’t thirsty. If you usually rely on drinks with caffeine in them, such as tea, coffee or cola, limit these and have water first or instead. Avoid alcohol as it can make dehydration worse.
• Eat normally – even if you aren’t hungry, you need a normal diet to replace salt losses from sweating.
  In addition, try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruit, as they contain a lot of water.