Did you know elder heat-related deaths have increased by 85% since 1990? This isn’t just about air temperature; it’s about the lethal combination of heat and humidity. Today we explore the often-overlooked crisis that is only getting worse. Learn why older adults are uniquely vulnerable, how medications can interfere with heat tolerance, and the warning signs that signal a potentially fatal heat stroke.
Join us to explore the hidden dangers of heat, stay safe and cool, and maybe even save a life!
In this Episode:
- 03:36 – Road Trip to Arkansas: Dover Lights and Possum Pie
- 07:08 – The Shocking Increase of Heat-Related Illness
- 11:10 – Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Heat Stress?
- 13:15 – Heat Stroke: Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
- 15:42 – Discussion: We have the Knowledge, but Do We Take Precautions?
- 21:22 – When Mistakes Become Mementos – Susan Rothchild, remembering a loved one who died from overdose
- 22:12 – Outro
Don’t Become a Statistic – Be Prepared for the Hot Weather
The population of adults aged 65 and older, which is expected to continue to grow, has a higher-than-average risk of heat-related death. Elder heat related deaths have increased 85% since 1990. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, even though most heat-related deaths are preventable through outreach and intervention. Don’t become a statistic, learn more about heat related deaths and stay cool.
Are You Just “Too Cool” to be Cool?
Charlie talked about how even though he’s been taught this stuff since elementary school, it can be a challenge to always take precautions. It’s never too late to make it a priority.
Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what you can do in an emergency. That’s how to really be cool!
Caretaker Checklist
Do you have a loved one over 65 or know anyone living without air conditioning? Find these precautions and more at the CDC page Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+) . Use this caregiver checklist:
Keep a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day, and ask yourself these questions:
- Question #1 Are they drinking enough water?
- Question #2 Do they have access to air conditioning?
- Question #3 Do they know how to keep cool?
- Question #4 Do they show signs of heat stress?
Related Episodes:
In Season 5 Episode 13 we also talk about how the causes of death are changing in the next 100 years.
In S6E12: Drowning is Preventable: Learn the Facts, Save a Life we talk about ways to keep your family safe.
References:
- Tiny Love Stories: ‘Being a “Throuple” Felt Unthinkable’ – The New York Times
- Arkansas Facts: Fun Facts About Arkansas You Need to Know
- The Dover Lights | Horror
- Climate Change Indicators: Heat-Related Deaths | US EPA
- Death rate from stroke is rising: Lifestyle can lower risk (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Biggest environmental cause of mortality | Airclim
- Climate Crisis May Cause 14.5 Million Deaths by 2050 > Press releases | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
- Heat is testing the limits of human survivability. Here’s how it kills | CNN
- Burning Up? A Guide To Recognizing And Managing Heat Illness
- Heat waves put older persons at high risk, warns UN report
- Study: Extreme Heat May Speed Up Aging in Older Adults – USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Resources
- Can’t Deal With the Heat? Blame Your Aging Body
- Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+) | Heat Health | CDC
- Heat and People without Air Conditioning | CDC
- Dover Lights
Road Trip to Arkansas
This week we traveled to Arkansas and learned about the Dover Lights, a creepy phenomenon deep in an Ozark valley. While you’re there stop for some pie. The name is just an amusing distraction…sounds like something we would do to keep the kids from eating our favorite dessert. Learn how to make Arkansas Possum Pie at 12 Tomatoes.
https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/
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