When should I check with an older person about hot weather?

Key points:

• Immediately call 000 for an ambulance if you suspect a person may be unresponsive or have the person take a cold shower or bath, if possible; be aware that an immediate change in temperatures may induce shock

• In Australia, extreme heat events are responsible for more deaths than all other natural hazard events combined

• You may be at an increased risk of heat-related health problems due to your age, existing medical conditions, where you live and work and your economic and social status

Sweltering Cities, Australia’s only national community-facing heat-focused organisation has called on members of the community to check in with older loved ones following January 27 — the deadliest day for heat-related deaths in Australia.

In Australia, the summer months — December, January and February — can reach extreme temperatures of upwards of 40°C.

Sweltering Cities Executive Director Emma Bacon expressed that it is important to check on vulnerable loved ones and members of the community during periods of extreme heat.

“Heatwaves aren’t just a day at the beach, they can be seriously dangerous. It’s important that we check in on people who might be at risk. Isolation can be deadly for older people, people who live in hot homes, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses and others,” she said.

“The combination of hotter summers driven by climate change and a cost-of-living crunch means that more people than ever are worried about whether they can afford to keep cool.

“We’ve heard from people across the country who are being forced to choose between air conditioning or essentials, like food and petrol.

“Not only does isolation put people at risk during heatwaves, but heatwaves can also increase isolation. More than 45 percent of respondents in our 2022 National Summer Survey said that they avoid socialising on hot days.”

One in five older adults report problems with loneliness and research from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, the University of Queensland and Silverchain has revealed that with dementia affecting almost 50 million people worldwide, research into the condition is now more urgent than ever.

Signs of heatstroke may appear similar to heat exhaustion or age-related cognitive decline, such as:

• confusion or agitation;
• loss of consciousness;
• muscle twitching or seizures.

However, heat-related health illnesses may be identified through symptoms such as:

• heavy sweating;
• pale skin;
• muscle cramps;
• weakness;
• dizziness, headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• fainting;
• a rapid pulse;
• dark or strong-smelling urine.

Ms Bacon said the 2024 Sweltering Cities campaign was intended to clarify questions surrounding the safety of others and inform people about the need to check in with people who may be at risk.

“When it comes to heatwave advice, we’re told to stay out of the sun, drink water and check in on people, but who should we be checking in on, when should we do it and what advice can we give?

“It’s time to call Nan, text your friend who lives in a hot home or drop in on family who might be struggling to keep little kids cool on hot days,” she added.

The ‘Heatwave Check-In Program’ is available online and offers a wide range of information that can help people learn about the health hazards associated with high temperatures.

In addition to advice on how to introduce yourself to others, check in with people you know and contact people to arrive and attend to emergencies, the program has recommended some alternative public spaces that provide air conditioning and safe environments for people to access during heatwaves.

The 2023 – 2024 National Summer Survey is available online to inform the public about heat-related illnesses and influence the future of awareness campaigns.

Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019. The eight years from 2013 – ‘20 all rank among the 10 warmest years on record.

How do you beat the heat in January? Let the team at Talking Aged Care know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

Related content:

Staying safe during long heatwaves

Preparing for hot Australian weather

Best summer activities for older people