Ways to Keep Older Adults Safe in Hot Weather

You already know summer heat can be brutal, but you may not realize how differently it affects an aging body. If you're caring for an older parent, or you're managing your own health as you get older, extreme heat deserves more than a passing thought this time of year. A body that once bounced back from a hot afternoon outside may now struggle to cool itself down at all, and the warning signs are often easy to miss until they become an emergency.

Summer 2026 has been especially brutal. The eastern United States endured a punishing heat dome around the Fourth of July, with roughly 150 million people across the eastern half of the country under heat alerts and Washington, DC forecast to set a new record for its hottest Independence Day. Europe has fared no better. Europe has been sweltering through what meteorologists call its most severe heatwave on record, with an "omega block" weather pattern trapping hot air over the continent and pushing temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius above their seasonal average, and forecasters were tracking a third major heatwave in as many months by mid-July.

Still, it's worth keeping some perspective: brutal summers are not new, and heat waves have tested communities for generations. What's different now is how prepared we are for them. Whether this summer turns out to be a record-breaker or simply another hot season, the same lesson applies every year: older adults, and anyone managing a chronic illness, need to plan ahead rather than react once the heat has already taken a toll.

Older adults must take necessary precautions as temperatures soar across the United States. Summer brings sunshine, warmth, and heat waves that can be particularly challenging for seniors, especially those with health or aging issues. Staying hydrated is the number one way to ensure anyone can stay healthy during hot weather. Christopher Bazzoli, MD, emergency medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic, says dehydration is a significant concern during a heatwave.

Dehydration means loss of sufficient body fluid levels and you can think of body water content as, kind of, the motor oil of the body. You need enough of it to make everything function just as it should." — Dr. Christopher Bazzoili.

Dr. Bazzoli noted that signs of dehydration can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, flushed skin, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heatstroke, kidney failure, or even death. While anyone can become dehydrated, children and older people are particularly vulnerable. 

The increased stress of hot weather poses a significant concern for older individuals, but with some practical advice, you can help ensure their well-being and enjoy peace of mind, whether you're a caregiver or a concerned family member.

Dr. Corey Slovis, head of emergency medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, told ABC News that as we age, our tolerance and perception of heat changes. 

As we age, and especially as we get into our 70s or 80s, we don't tolerate heat or perceive the dangers as well as when we were younger. — Dr. Corey Slovis.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, says as temperatures rise, it is crucial to understand the health risks that excessive heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses. Hot weather can be a big concern for older people, says Calvin Hirsch, M.D., a geriatrics specialist with UC Davis Health System.

No one is comfortable when the temperature soars," said Hirsch, who is a professor of internal medicine, "but seniors account for a disproportionate number of heat-related hospitalizations and deaths. — Dr. Calvin Hirsch.

Medications and High Temperatures 

Patrick McHugh, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, says you may be more at risk if you take certain medications because they could be impacting your body's natural response to hot weather.

The body responds to heat with an increased heart rate, increased blood flow to the skin as well as sweating, however, people can be on medications that blunt or stop their body's natural response to heat, which puts them more at risk for developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke.— Dr. Patrick McHugh.

Dr. McHugh said some medications could affect your body's response to rising temperatures. He noted beta blockers can actually mute the increase of heart rate and blood flow that's needed when your body gets overly hot. Meanwhile, anticholinergics, including certain allergy medications, can impact the body's natural ability to sweat.

Dr. McHugh said those who take diuretics could also have an increased risk of heat exhaustion. Other medications could also affect your body's response to the heat, and it's crucial to talk to your doctor. 

If you're on any medications, it's very important for you to have a discussion with your doctor to see if there is any increased risk of dehydration or heat exhaustion. Your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan. — Dr. Patrick McHugh.

Along with checking in with your physician, Dr. McHugh said staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat exhaustion and seeking shade or remaining indoors during the hottest points of the day. Be sure that older family members pay attention to these suggestions.

Signs of Dehydration or Heat Exhaustion

As our bodies age, skin and fat tissue, the body's insulators, tend to thin. Because of that change, seniors regulate temperature less efficiently, putting them at greater risk than others from heat-related health problems. Signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion are less pronounced in seniors, who:

• Tend to sweat less than younger people—so their bodies don't shed heat as easily as they once did.
• May lose some of their sense of thirst and not feel thirsty until severe dehydration has set in.
• May take high blood pressure and heart disease medications that remove salt and fluids from the body. These medications, coupled with heat, can cause a senior to become dehydrated—leading to confusion, organ damage, and even death.
• Heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are all forms of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanisms. The risk of hyperthermia can increase with the combination of higher temperatures, underlying general health, and individual lifestyle.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase the vulnerability of older adults to heat-related health issues. These include inadequate fluid intake, lack of air conditioning in their living environment, limited mobility and transportation options, wearing excessive clothing, visiting crowded places, and lacking awareness of how to respond to hot weather conditions.

Heart health plays a bigger role in heat risk than many people realize. Daniel J. Vecellio, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who studies the health impacts of heat and humidity, explains that cardiovascular problems heighten the risk of overheating because a strained heart can't dissipate heat as effectively. He notes that most heat-related deaths are actually caused by cardiovascular events like heart attacks or cardiac arrest, not classic heat stroke.

On days characterized by high heat and humidity, especially when air pollution alerts are in effect, it is advisable for older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, to remain indoors in cooler environments. 

If available, those without air conditioning or fans should consider seeking refuge in air-conditioned places such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters, and libraries. Additionally, many communities offer cooling centers established by local public health agencies, religious groups, and social service organizations as an alternative option to beat the heat.

Remember, older adults may not feel thirsty. They get dehydrated more quickly, which increases the risk of falls. Falls are one of the biggest reasons older people require long-term health care. So, experts remind us to make sure our older family members drink enough water even if they don't feel "hot."

Anne Vanderbilt, CNS, geriatric clinical nurse specialist at Cleveland Clinic: says that by the time an older adult feels thirsty, it is already an indication of early dehydration. She notes that symptoms of dehydration in older adults often go unrecognized because they can easily be attributed to other medical conditions, medications, or the natural effects of aging.

Adding to the problem is that symptoms of dehydration in older adults often go unrecognized. Symptoms can be easily attributed to other medical conditions, medications or natural effects of aging.” — Anne Vanderbilt, CNS.

Extreme Heat is Deadly

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that "around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year," even though heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia. It happens when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

• A significant increase in body temperature (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Changes in mental status (like confusion or combativeness).
• Strong rapid pulse.
• Lack of sweating.
• Dry flushed skin.
• Feeling faint, staggering, or coma.

Emergency medical attention is critical for a person with heat stroke symptoms, especially in an older adult.

Many factors can increase the risk for hyperthermia, including:

• Dehydration
• Alcohol use
• Reduced sweating caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs
• High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet. People on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk; however, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.
• Use of multiple medications. However, it is important to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.
• Age-related changes to the skin, such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat production
• Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever
• Being substantially overweight or underweight

The CDC makes these recommendations:

• Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay cool indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but they will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the high 90s. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it's cooler, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
• Pace yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you're not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
• Wear sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
• Tip: Look for sunscreens that say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels- these products work best.
• Avoid hot and heavy meals: They add heat to your body!

Lifestyle Factors and Cooling Options: Reducing the Risk of Heat-Related Illness in Older Adults

Certain lifestyle factors can increase the vulnerability of older adults to heat-related health issues. These include inadequate fluid intake, lack of air conditioning in their living environment, limited mobility and transportation options, wearing excessive clothing, visiting crowded places, and lacking awareness of how to respond to hot weather conditions.

On days characterized by high heat and humidity, especially when air pollution alerts are in effect, it is advisable for older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, to remain indoors in cooler environments. Cardiovascular health plays a bigger role here than many people realize. Daniel J. Vecellio, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who studies the health impacts of heat and humidity, explains that cardiovascular problems heighten the risk of overheating because a strained heart can't dissipate heat as effectively. He notes that most heat-related deaths are actually caused by cardiovascular events like heart attacks or cardiac arrest, not classic heat stroke.

Individuals without air conditioning or fans should consider seeking refuge in air-conditioned places such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries. Additionally, many communities offer cooling centers established by local public health agencies, religious groups and social service organizations as an alternative option to beat the heat.

Stay Informed

Stay updated on extreme heat alerts and safety tips through several reliable channels. A local news radio station is a good option since many provide frequent, updated weather reports throughout the day. You can find local news radio stations in your area by using radio locator. Local TV news stations are another strong choice, since most employ their own meteorologists who track developing heat waves and can explain what the forecast actually means for your area. 

NOAA Weather Radio, run by the National Weather Service, broadcasts continuous updates, watches and warnings directly from the National Weather Service and is worth having on hand, especially if the power goes out or cell service is unreliable. Smartphones and computers can also provide this information, including apps that alert you to high temperatures.

Additionally, check for any cooling shelters available in your area through these channels. If you are concerned about the well-being of a loved one who lives far away, various websites can provide relevant information on cooling shelters and resources to ensure their safety.

Know the Signs

Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them. If your loved one is 65 years of age or older, be sure to check on them twice a day during a heatwave, a recommendation backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advises visiting adults at risk at least twice daily and watching closely for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Monitor Those at High Risk

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia or poor circulation

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

Careful With Sudden Temperature Changes

The CDC says older adults do not adjust as well as younger people to sudden temperature changes.

• Older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
• Older people are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or sweat.

Dr. Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the Mass General Center for the Environment and Health, says understanding these risks and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat illness is especially important for older adults. She points out that aging bodies undergo changes that make it harder to handle sudden temperature shifts, high temperatures and heat waves, including a reduced ability to sweat and slower physiological responses that mean the body may not signal thirst or recognize overheating as quickly.

Keep your home comfortably cool, but don't overcorrect. Older adults often perceive temperature differently than younger people do, so what feels mild to you may already be too warm for them. Warm summer temperatures are one thing, but when heat waves hit, staying cool and hydrated is good advice for everyone, regardless of age.

How Caregivers and Long-Term Care Staff Monitor for Heat-Related Issues

Whether your loved one lives at home or in a long-term care setting, checking on them during hot weather takes more than a quick glance. In-home caregivers and staff at assisted living communities, memory care units and nursing homes all play a role in catching heat-related problems early, before they turn into an emergency.

In-Home Caregivers

If you're caring for a family member at home, build heat checks into your regular routine rather than treating them as an extra task. Check the indoor temperature at least twice a day during a heat wave, and pay attention to how your loved one looks and acts, not just what they tell you. Watch for flushed skin, heavy sweating or, just as concerning, skin that's dry when it should be sweating. Offer fluids on a schedule instead of waiting to be asked, since thirst is an unreliable signal in older adults. Keep a simple log of fluid intake, mood and alertness so you can spot changes day to day rather than relying on memory.

Assisted Living and Nursing Home Staff

In assisted living communities and nursing homes, staff typically monitor residents through scheduled wellness checks, room temperature logs and hydration tracking built into the daily care plan. Staff are trained to recognize early warning signs, such as confusion, agitation or unusual fatigue, that can signal a heat-related problem before it becomes severe. Facilities should have backup cooling plans in place in case of a power outage, along with clear protocols for moving residents to cooler common areas if a unit's air conditioning fails. If you have a loved one in one of these settings, it's reasonable to ask staff directly how they track hydration and room temperature during a heat wave, and how often residents are checked.

Memory Care and Residents With Dementia

Checking on residents with dementia requires extra care, because dementia can interfere with a person's ability to recognize that they're overheating in the first place. Sara Murphy, vice president of programs and services for the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, explains that a person without cognitive impairment can typically regulate their temperature and recognize when it's hot enough to dress or act differently, but dementia can affect both a person's ability to regulate body temperature and their perception of temperature changes. That means someone with dementia may be uncomfortably hot without being able to convey it. 

For the average Joe who doesn’t have any cognitive impairment, they’re able to regulate temperature and realize that it’s really hot and to dress appropriately. But with someone with any type of dementia, it can affect the person’s ability to regulate their body temperature and their perception of temperature changes. So then that can make the person with dementia more sensitive to hot and cold conditions, but also difficult for them to take appropriate action." — Sara Murphy.

Murphy noted that the signs a person with dementia needs help aren't always obvious, sometimes showing up as something as noticeable as wearing a fur coat in 90-degree weather, and other times as something far more subtle, which is why caregivers need to stay vigilant to ensure comfort and safety. Memory care staff and family caregivers alike should watch for indirect cues, such as increased agitation, resistance to care, withdrawal or changes in sleep, since these can be a resident's only way of signaling distress. Dressing appropriately for the weather, offering fluids proactively rather than waiting for a request and doing frequent room-temperature checks are especially important in memory care settings, where a resident may not be able to ask for help at all.

👉 If you're navigating caregiving decisions for an older family member you can find top quality caregivers and long-term care facilities for a loved one by using the LTC News Caregiver Directory. If your love done has Long-Term Care Insurance be sure to use the benefits as soon as they qualify. LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to provide free claim support with no cost or obligation — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Extreme heat is not something older adults, or the people who love and care for them, need to face alone. Whether you're helping a parent stay hydrated at home, checking in on a loved one in assisted living, or watching for the subtle signs of heat stress in someone with dementia, small daily habits make the biggest difference. Staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed are simple steps, but they save lives every summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Heat and Older Adults

Why are older adults more vulnerable to extreme heat?

As people age, their bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. Older adults tend to sweat less, have a reduced sense of thirst, and often have chronic medical conditions or take medications that interfere with the body's ability to cool itself. These factors increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

What are the first signs of dehydration in older adults?

Early symptoms may include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dark-colored urine
• Muscle cramps
• Flushed skin
• Increased confusion or unusual sleepiness

Because these symptoms can resemble other health conditions or normal aging, dehydration often goes unrecognized until it becomes severe.

How much water should an older adult drink during hot weather?

Fluid needs vary depending on health conditions, medications, and activity level. Rather than waiting until they feel thirsty, older adults should drink fluids regularly throughout the day. Individuals with heart failure, kidney disease, or other medical conditions that limit fluid intake should follow their physician's recommendations.

Which medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness?

Several commonly prescribed medications may interfere with the body's ability to cool itself, including:

• Diuretics ("water pills")
• Beta blockers
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Some allergy medications with anticholinergic effects
• Sedatives and tranquilizers
• Some antidepressants

Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your physician. Ask your healthcare provider whether your medications require extra precautions during hot weather.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that often includes:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cool, clammy skin
• Fast pulse

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:

• Body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Hot, dry skin or inability to sweat
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness

Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected.

Why don't many older adults realize they're dehydrated?

The sensation of thirst naturally decreases with age. By the time many older adults feel thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated. Certain medications and medical conditions can further reduce thirst or increase fluid loss.

How often should family members check on an older loved one during a heat wave?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends checking on adults at increased risk at least twice a day during periods of extreme heat. Family members and caregivers should watch for changes in alertness, confusion, fatigue, or reduced fluid intake.

What should caregivers monitor during extreme heat?

Caregivers should regularly monitor:

• Indoor temperature
• Fluid intake
• Mental alertness
• Skin color and temperature
• Urine color
• Appetite
• Activity level
• Signs of dizziness or weakness

Even subtle changes can indicate developing heat-related illness.

Why are people with dementia at greater risk during hot weather?

Dementia can impair a person's ability to recognize heat, understand they are overheating, or communicate discomfort. Individuals may forget to drink fluids, wear inappropriate clothing, or fail to seek a cooler environment. Frequent supervision becomes especially important during heat waves.

Can heart disease increase the risk of heat-related illness?

Yes. Hot weather places additional demands on the cardiovascular system. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or reduced circulation may have more difficulty dissipating heat, increasing the risk of serious complications during extreme temperatures.

Where should older adults go if they don't have air conditioning?

If home air conditioning is unavailable, consider spending time in:

• Public libraries
• Shopping malls
• Community or senior centers
• Movie theaters
• Official community cooling centers

Even several hours in an air-conditioned environment can significantly reduce heat stress.

Are electric fans enough during extreme heat?

Fans improve comfort but become less effective when temperatures climb into the upper 90s and above. During extreme heat, air conditioning, cooling centers, cool showers, and reducing outdoor activity provide much better protection.

What clothing is best during a heat wave?

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen also help reduce heat exposure when spending time outdoors.

How can long-term care communities protect residents during heat waves?

Assisted living communities, memory care centers, and nursing homes should have heat emergency plans that include:

• Regular hydration checks
• Room temperature monitoring
• Frequent resident wellness checks
• Backup power and cooling systems
• Staff training to recognize early symptoms of heat-related illness

Families should feel comfortable asking how these precautions are implemented.

Can dehydration increase the risk of falls?

Yes. Dehydration commonly causes dizziness, weakness, confusion, and low blood pressure, all of which significantly increase fall risk. Falls remain one of the leading reasons older adults require long-term care.

Does Long-Term Care Insurance help if someone suffers heat-related complications?

Long-Term Care Insurance does not pay for emergency medical treatment, but if heat-related illness contributes to lasting physical or cognitive impairment that results in qualifying long-term care needs, benefits may help pay for care at home, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home services once policy benefit triggers are met.