Seniors And The Heat

Summer can be deadly for seniors; it can be even more deadly for seniors without a social network, seniors who are socially isolated. In the 1995 Chicago heat wave, 700 elderly people died. A few summers ago, the world was shocked when thousands of elderly men and women in Paris and other cities of Europe died from heat-related causes. Most of those who died had no one checking in on them. We can't let that happen here in New York City. As New Yorkers, we should watch out for each other.
Perhaps you have an elderly neighbor who rarely leaves his or her apartment and who seems very alone and frail. In a heat emergency, knock on this neighbor's door and introduce yourself. Confirm that she (or he) is drinking enough water and is wearing light-colored cotton clothing. Check to see that she has drawn the blinds to block the sun's direct rays and has turned on their air conditioner, or has fans running and the windows open. Ventilation is essential, even on the hottest days. Ask if there's a physician she can call if the heat is making her tired, weak or dizzy, giving her headaches, or making her hands and feet swell (symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke). Recommend dialing 911 if symptoms persist or grow worse. If the apartment appears to you dangerously hot and unventilated, see if she's willing to go to one of the City's cooling centers for part of the day. During a declared heat emergency, you can find the nearest cooling center by calling 311. Finally, don't just check once. Check in at least twice a day while the heat wave lasts.
But don't wait for a heat emergency to reach out to your isolated elderly neighbor. Summer heat puts elders at risk. Social isolation knows no season, and its risks to body and spirit are as dangerous and as deadly as summer heat, according to researchers who have linked social isolation to higher mortality rates. A simple inquiry to 311 can help link your neighbor to the services and support she needs.
Look out for yourself this summer, too. You're not immune to summer heat if you're older, even if you think you're in no danger. So when temperatures rise, stay indoors in well-ventilated or air-conditioned areas particularly between 11 and 2 p.m. Increase your intake of fluids even if you're not thirsty. Take cool showers and baths and eat light meals of salads and fruit that help replenish fluids. Wear light clothing and a hat outdoors for sun protection as well as sunglasses and sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Call 911 if you begin to experience the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
It also doesn't hurt to take stock, now, of your social circle's strength and health. And just as you can take guard against the effects of summer heat, you can take steps to revitalize your network. You can take a class, establish some pen pals on-line or participate in a chat room, locate a place in your community where you can sign up for an activity, volunteer, get a pet, make a new friend, or contact an old one with whom you've been out of touch. And don't be afraid to seek professional help if depression is weighing you down. Whether monitoring your elderly neighbor, or taking care of yourself, this just may be the summer when you save a life.
Edwin Mndez-Santiago, LCSW, is the Commissioner for the New York City Department for the Aging. He has worked in the field of aging for over 25 years, and is the former executive director of several senior centers in Brooklyn.

For all emergencies call 9-1-1
NYC Department for the Aging, call 3-1-1
and www.nyc.gov/aging and www.nyccaregiver.org
NYC Office of Emergency Management, call 3-1-1
and www.nyc.gov/oem
United Neighborhood Houses, call 212-967-0322
and www.unhny.org