Good Article on hot weather and those over 65, even those in great shape.

[Raschel]

I thought this was timely since so many states are going through a heatwave right now.

CHICAGO (AP) — This week's heat wave may be uncomfortable, but you're healthy, active and feel just fine. So what if you're over 65? Think again. Feeling good doesn't mean you're safe.

There are changes in an older person that raise the risk for heat stroke and other problems. An older body contains far less water than a younger one. Older brains can't sense temperature changes as well, and they don't recognize thirst as easily.

http://news.yahoo.com/over-65-not-worried-heat-203904830.html

[HockeyMom]

1. Not quite there (62)

but since moving to South Florida, I stay inside, all year, in 74 degree AC as much as I possibly can. I stayed inside most summers in NY also, for decades. Don't like sunshine and I get very bad rashes (decades) from the heat. I should probably move to Alaska!

But good advice, really for all people. Young children should not be outside in extreme heat either for long periods. We took the Pre-K kids outside for recess very early in the morning, and made sure they had plenty of water to drink.

[Raschel]

2. I wouldn't have thought about the percentage of body water. I mean, it's common sense I suppose,

but so many people these days are still in great shape at 65, so I can see how they'd think this doesn't apply to them.

Why don't you like sunshine? I can't stand not having sun. But I'm not good with the heat. Been through chemo and my body just can't handle it now. Can't wait till the heat wave's over!

P.S., you don't really want to live near you-know-who, do you?

:hi:

[66 dmhlt]

3. 63 y/o - & I'm starting to feel it ...

Although I consider myself physically fit (I bike an hour 5 days a week), last year I cut my grass w/ a Heat Index of 110 by keeping myself well-hydrated and taking breaks. Earlier this year I cut the grass w/ a Heat Index of 100 - and boy, did I feel the difference.

Whether there's dew on the ground or not, I'm only cutting the grass in the morning when it's this brutally hot.

[enough]

4. Thanks for posting this. I think I fit into that category of thinking that OTHER older people

need to worry about this, but I don't because I'm very active, etc. etc. (I'm 67)

But this latest heat wave been making me wonder about why it bothers me so much. I always drink a lot of water when working out, but I don't think of it otherwise. Because I "don't feel thirsty," as the article says.

Some of the information in this article is new to me. I do appreciate it.

I'll take that advice: to "drink even if they don't feel thirsty."

[Raschel]

7. I'm glad you read this! I always thought I was one of those 'other' people too.

Then I had chemo and cannot handle the heat at all now.

If I was still in great shape I'd probably be out there thinking that this doesn't apply to me.

:hi:

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. Also: a lot of us over 60 may be on meds that warn about sun exposure.

and/or meds which change how we react to heat.

[Lugnut]

6. I'm printing out this article for my husband.

He's 68 and he's trying to get refurbishing work done inside the house right now. He's in great shape and he walks every day. I'm begging him to pace himself and let this stuff go until the heat wave is over but he won't listen to me. We have no central air conditioning or window units. I'm 65 and I can barely function in this heat and humidity. If he, or I, doesn't/don't end up in the ER by Saturday I'll eat my hat.

[Raschel]

8. I have a brother like that. He's sixty and very muscular. lean, and works like a dog.

He would pooh-pooh this article.

It feels great to know that I have reached a couple of people with this.

Sounds like you don't have AC. That must be horrible, although I have a friend who doesn't and she swears its not bad. I know I couldn't handle it. Hope you and your husband are okay.

[snappyturtle]

9. You are dead on right. Two weeks ago in Texas my ex, a home builder, got to feeling 'bad'.

Fortunately, he got to an emergency room and they re-hydrated him. He's 59 and in good shape. This episode scared him so now he's drinking more water and leaving the coffee thermos at home. He didn't realize coffee contributes to de-hydration.

[Lugnut]

11. The denier I live with finally admitted defeat.

The 90+ temps and dewpoints in the upper 60s and low 70s did it. There's now a 12,000 BTU air condtioner in my kitchen window that cools the kitchen, living room and main bathroom where we apend most of our time. He was calling around to find room-size A/C units for the bedrooms amd 3/4 bathroom we use. He's planning to walk in the early AM today on a shorter route so he's not too far from the house. He's not planning any projects for tomorrow other than running some errands with me in a air conditioned car, thank goodness.

[Greybnk48]

10. 62 here as well and can't take it anymore.

I have to drink a lot of water or I start to feel sick.