What should you know about elderly heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating and cannot cool itself effectively. Older people may be more vulnerable because thirst can be less noticeable, mobility may limit access to cool places, and some medicines affect sweating or fluid balance. Possible features include heavy sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, thirst, and cool or clammy skin. Dark urine can suggest dehydration, although urine colour has other causes too.

Move the person into shade or an air-conditioned room. Loosen extra clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and use a fan if available. If they are awake, able to swallow, and have no fluid restriction, offer frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Do not force fluids if they are vomiting, drowsy, or have trouble swallowing. Keep checking their alertness and arrange medical advice if symptoms do not improve promptly.

Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, seizures, loss of consciousness, very hot skin, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or inability to drink. These signs may indicate heatstroke or another serious problem. Seek same-day medical assessment if weakness, vomiting, dizziness, headache, or reduced urination persists after cooling and fluids, especially when the person has heart or kidney disease.

Ask which medicines may increase heat or dehydration risk, how much fluid is appropriate with existing heart or kidney conditions, and what personal warning signs should trigger urgent help. Ask whether a medication review or a plan for hot weather would be useful.