RAYMOND, Miss. -- Heat-related illness is a concern for anyone as summer temperatures rise, but older adults are at greater risk of being negatively impacted.

David Buys, health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said adults 65 and older are more prone to overheating because of several factors.

“Older adults can’t regulate their body temperatures as well as younger people when there are sudden changes in air temperature,” said Buys, who is also the associate vice provost for health sciences at MSU. “Some chronic health conditions and certain prescription medications also affect how the body regulates heat and controls sweating.”

Extreme heat -- when temperatures rise above 90 degrees and combine with high humidity for two or more days -- is even more dangerous and can be deadly. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters.

Normal declines in physiological function as people age also puts them at risk for heat illness, said JohnEric Smith, an associate professor and head of the MSU Department of Kinesiology.

“Humans’ primary method of cooling is through sweating,” said Smith. “Research has regularly demonstrated a decline in the sweating response of older adults. They often also have a compromised ability to get heat to the skin because of declines in cardiovascular function.

“Like other by-products produced in metabolism, heat is partially moved in the body through the blood by the cardiovascular system. Heat is carried by blood from areas deep in the body to the skin’s surface. Declines in cardiovascular function reduce blood flow and the ability to transport heat out of the body.”

Smith noted older adults also may not drink as many fluids as they should under certain conditions, including when their body temperature is elevated, because they are not as sensitive to the sensation of thirst. This can result in less sweating, which can contribute to overheating more easily.

“Other important factors to consider include nighttime temperatures, acclimation and whether they use air conditioning or not,” Smith said. “The body needs time to cool off. When nighttime temperatures remain high and someone doesn’t have an adequate way to cool their home, they can be at greater risk of overheating. It’s true that people have different tolerances for heat based on what they are used to -- where they live and if they have air conditioning or not.”

Reminders are issued every year about not leaving children and pets in hot cars, but this is also dangerous for older adults.

“People should be careful when deciding to leave an older adult in the car if they run into the store for something,” Smith said. “It is best not to do this but leave it running with the air conditioner on if you have to do this briefly.”

Buys said these practical steps can help anyone stay cool during extreme heat:

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages. (People who need to limit the number of fluids they drink because of medical conditions or medications, should consult their doctors about their fluid intake.)
• Avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.
• Rest. Avoid strenuous activities.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library during the hottest parts of the day.
• Do not rely only on a fan during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid cooking with the stove or oven.

“Check on older adults in your care at least twice a day,” Buys said. “Some key things to pay attention to are whether they are drinking enough water, have access to air conditioning, know how to keep cool and whether they show signs of heat stress.”

Get medical attention immediately if someone shows signs of heat-related illness, including muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

For more information and tips to stay safe in extreme heat, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://tinyurl.com/yjemezfw and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at https://www.ready.gov/heat.