Summer 2022 saw some record-breaking temperatures. On some days, we saw the mercury shoot up to over 40°C – unprecedented for this part of the world.
As we make our way through this summer, it’s worth taking the time to consider how to keep cool should we see warm temperatures once more. Being prepared can ensure that people are kept safe and comfortable. It’s especially important to focus on those who might be more vulnerable in this hotter weather.
How does warm weather affect the elderly?
For the elderly, there is potentially a greater health risk that comes with hot days because as we get older, the body can’t regulate its temperature so readily. There’s also the increased likelihood of older adults having chronic medical conditions that can impact the way the body reacts to warmer temperatures.
According to information gathered last autumn, excess deaths for the over 65s during the summer heatwaves were at their highest for England since 2004. This reveals the impact of heat on the elderly.
How are warmer temperatures affecting those with disabilities?
Campaign group, Disability Rights UK has laid out the facts around climate change and how this affects people with disabilities in the country. It’s found that disabled people are: “…hardest hit by a changing climate”, with disabled people most likely to have limited access to knowledge and services to help respond to climate events. Heatwaves are a major climate event that can adversely affect those with disabilities.
Ways to stay safe in the heat
While there’s still a long way to go in terms of helping disabled people and the elderly during heatwaves and other climate-causing events, here are some ways to try to keep cool should we see the weather warm-up:
- Avoid going outside if you can – when the sun is at its highest (between 11 am and 3 pm), try to stay indoors where possible.
- While indoors – keep blinds and windows closed to keep things cool inside the home. Taking a cool bath or shower or using a damp washcloth can help to cool your body down too.
- Check air con – if you have air conditioning in the house, make sure it’s running smoothly and use it if you need to bring the temperature down indoors. If you need to drive in the warm weather, get your air-con checked. It may be that you need an air con regas, for example, where the old refrigerant is replaced. Getting this sorted ahead of the hot weather can be hugely beneficial for keeping cool.
- Stay hydrated – we perspire during the warmer weather to regulate our bodies. Top up water levels that are lost by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing – avoid sunburn by using SPF50 and investing in a sun hat.
