As the weather heats up, it’s important to remember that the hot weather can be especially dangerous for older adults.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, making them more likely to suffer from a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.

In addition, prescription medications can affect the ability of a senior’s body to control its temperature, which is normally regulated by sweating.

In order to be as safe as possible during the hot summer season, here are some tips from the CDC, taken from cdc.gov:

Stay cool, stay hydrated

– Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.

– Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside.

– Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on “water” pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.

– Don’t use the stove or oven to cook. It will make you and your house hotter.

– Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

– Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

– Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.

– Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

– Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

Stay informed

– Check the local news for health and safety updates.

– Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

One of the major benefits of moving into an assisted living facility is that you don’t have to deal with the weather if you don’t want to. Be it rain, sleet, snow or hail, there’s no need for you to go outside and suffer Mother Nature’s wrath.

In addition, you get all the benefits of seeing beautiful, green grass and neatly trimmed shrubbery – without the chores of having to tend to them yourself.

So if you’re tired of being beaten down by the stifling heat, maybe it’s time to consider a move to an assisted living facility such as Somerset Court.