Heat Concerns for Older Adults

21/07/2025 14 min
Heat Concerns for Older Adults

Listen "Heat Concerns for Older Adults"

Episode Synopsis

As the summer heat continues, it's important to remember that we all need to stay cool and hydrated. This is especially true for people aged 65 years or older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems. They don't adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperatures. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat, and they are more likely to be taking prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to control its temperature or sweat. K-State Research and Extension adult development and aging specialist Erin Martinez discusses the risks associated with heat and steps older adults can take to allow them to remain active and socially connected during periods of extended heat. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.