I knew there was a problem the moment I stepped into the house. It was one of those stunningly hot Southern Illinois summer days, and the house was absolutely stifling. The house belonged to “Nellie,” one of the senior citizens that I helped periodically in my position as a social service worker for a county senior citizen agency.

Nellie was in her seventies, and had some health problems, including an eye condition which severely affected her vision. She spent her money cautiously, but she had enough resources to maintain herself comfortably, and she did have a window air conditioner. My experience with Nellie up to that time told me that although she had some limits in her functional abilities, her mind was quite clear. She knew what she needed, and knew how to go about getting her needs met.

On this day, however, Nellie was uncharacteristically vague. She knew it was hot. She knew her air conditioner was not working. But her only plan to meet this emergency was to wait for her son from Wisconsin to visit her. She thought he might visit that weekend. She seemed to be in a heat induced “daze,” which was impairing her judgment and ability to understand that she was in a dangerous situation.

Fortunately, she accepted my help in this situation. The son was called, the air conditioner was repaired, and Nellie recovered. She once again was the “take charge” Nellie I had come to know.

The situation scared me, and even though that was years ago, I have never forgotten the effect that excessive heat can have. There are older people in southern Illinois who have survived many a summer without air conditioning, but to do so requires that they be “heat smart.” That means taking special precautions against the heat.

The National Institute on Aging has some tips for dealing with the heat –

1. Stay out of direct sunlight, and avoid strenuous activities.
2. Wear lightweight light colored loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate.
3. Drink plenty of liquids such as water or fruit and vegetable juices to replace fluids lost by perspiring.
4. Avoid alcohol and beverages that have too much salt, since salt can complicate medical problems.
5. Do not use salt tablets unless advised to do so by your doctor.
6. Take frequent cool baths or showers; place cool wet towels on the body.
7. Above all, take the heat seriously, and don’t ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness and fatigue; seek medical help at once.

Even those who are accustomed to the heat may find that advancing years and the effects of medical conditions can lessen their ability to cope. Anyone who does not have air conditioning should make alternative plans for when the heat gets to be too much. A visit at a friend’s or relative’s house for a few hours or for a day or two in the hottest weather may be the simplest alternative.

Other alternatives could include –

1. Visiting an air conditioned store or mall;
2. Visiting the local public library – not only relief from the heat, but a good time to catch up on magazines or books;
3. Spending part of the day at the local senior center, and having lunch there; and
4. Keeping in touch with friends and relatives, so that they will be available to help if needed.

If you have a senior friend or relative who does not have air conditioning, check with them often, and be prepared to offer whatever alternatives they might accept. Even a drive in an air conditioned car and a lunch or snack at a fast food place might be a welcome break. For some, a few hours a day in air conditioning can mean the difference between staying well and becoming ill from the heat. Don’t overlook seniors with medical conditions who may have difficulty leaving home; it is especially important to check on them regularly.

If you would like to lend a helping hand to others, consider giving old fans to Senior Centers which distribute them to seniors in need. Also, we accept donations which we use to help senior adults.

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