India is dealing with a sweltering heatwave, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing a red alert warning for extreme heat in north Indian states. Nearly 100 people have died over the last several days amid the heatwave, with most of those who died being over 60 years old and having preexisting health conditions. To protect the elderly from heatstroke, it is advised to keep them hydrated, indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and use cooling methods such as fans and cool damp towels. They should also dress appropriately, be protected from the sun, and have adequate ventilation in living spaces.
To help keep the elderly safe in extreme heat, it is vital to encourage them to drink plenty of water, stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and use cooling methods such as fans, cool damp towels, or cold baths. They should also dress appropriately, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and have adequate ventilation in their living spaces. It is important to regularly check on older adults, educate them about the risks of heatwaves, and provide support to ensure they are coping well with the heat.
Take care of elderly amid deadly heatwave in India – Detail Points
– Some parts of India are currently experiencing a sweltering heatwave, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing a red alert warning for extreme heat in north Indian states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
– Nearly 100 people have died in India over the last several days amid the heatwave, with most of the victims being over 60 years old and having preexisting health conditions that may have been exacerbated by the heat
– Dr. Pankaj Verma, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram, shared tips on how to keep elderly safe in extreme heat
– Tips include keeping them hydrated, encouraging them to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, using cooling methods, dressing them appropriately, protecting them from the sun, checking on them regularly, and providing adequate ventilation
– It is important to educate elders about the risks of heatwaves and the preventive measures they can take.
Take care of elderly amid deadly heatwave in India – FAQ’s
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is the long period of excessively hot weather when the temperature is high. It is often accompanied by high humidity, says Dr Verma. The extreme heat and humidity during heatwaves can lead to various health problems, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of existing health conditions.
How to keep elderly safe in extreme heat?
The expert shared that it is generally observed that older adults, particularly those above 60, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of heatwave. This is because the ability of the body to regulate temperature decreases with age, making it harder for older people to cope with extreme heat. Also, elders might have pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes or they might be taking medications. These can impair their ability to adapt to heat stress. That in turn increases their vulnerability.
What can I do to keep elderly safe in extreme heat?
Here’s what you can do:
1. Keep them hydrated
2. Let them stay indoors
3. Use cooling methods
4. Make them dress appropriately
5. Protect them from the sun
6. Check on them regularly
7. Provide adequate ventilation
You can take steps to look after the elders of your family, but you should also educate them about the risks of heatwaves and the preventive measures they can take.
