Extreme Heat Safety Tips for Seniors in Los Angeles CA

With its diverse culinary scene, rich culture, exciting entertainment, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions like the Broad and the Getty Center, Los Angeles, California, is undoubtedly stunning. Add to this the fact that LA offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, with many trails in the Santa Monica Mountains and 284 sunny days a year (per BestPlaces.net), and it's easy to see why it's a riveting, desirable haven for retirees.

Still, LA weather isn't always perfect. It can reach high temperatures, which can be dangerous, especially for seniors. It is during these days that knowledge of extreme heat safety tips can prove life-saving.

So please join us today at The Watermark at Westwood Village, our beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming senior living community in Los Angeles, CA, as we share practical senior summer safety strategies and insights in this elderly heat awareness guide.

Stay in the Loop of Weather Conditions

Staying informed about weather conditions is vital for older adults in Los Angeles because of their increased vulnerability to extreme heat events. As the U.S. CDC points out, adults 65 and older are more prone to heat-related illnesses (HRIs). By staying informed of heatwaves, seniors can take proactive measures to keep themselves safe and safeguard their health and well-being.

The good news is that there are many ways older adults in Los Angeles can stay up-to-date on the weather:

• Signing up for alerts from the NotifyLA system, the city's mass notification system used for sending emergency and disaster alerts to residents via text, phone, or email
• Getting information regarding heat relief programs and resources (e.g., warm weather care for seniors, cooling centers, and shaded spots) via the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office's Heat Relief 4 LA website
• Calling 3-1-1 for information related to heat events and details about cooling centers and emergency services
• Regularly checking local weather forecasts to anticipate potential heat events (e.g., those from sources like Weather.gov)

For the beloved residents of our Los Angeles senior living community, please don't hesitate to speak with our 24/7 associate support team. They can help you find out the day's weather conditions. Our caring team members are always happy to help you plan your day safely, whether you want to stay indoors at The Watermark at Westwood Village or explore LA.

Enjoy the Outdoors Earlier

For older adults who'd like to take advantage of Los Angeles, California's incredible outdoors during a nice summer day, please be careful and remember that overheating prevention involves timing activities well.

Ideally, you'd want to schedule your outdoor exercise time around 7 to 8 a.m., as temperatures during these hours are still cooler. The sun isn't as intense yet. It's still safe and comfortable to spend time and engage in physical activity outside, such as participating in a senior walking club.

Dress for the Weather

There are many reasons seniors are more prone to HRIs, including poor blood circulation. For instance, aging can cause blood vessels to become less efficient at dilating (widening). It may also diminish the body's ability to transfer heat to the skin's surface for cooling.

Some older adults may also experience a diminished sense of heat (and cold). Such age-related changes can cause seniors to have difficulty recognizing the signs of overheating.

All those age-related changes to the body's temperature regulation mechanisms make dressing for the weather all the more crucial. It can help facilitate better cooling and overheating prevention.

Loose and light-colored clothes are best for hot summer days, especially if spending time outdoors. They're more comfortable, and their light colors absorb less heat than their darker-colored counterparts.

Seniors should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect their:

• Head
• Face
• Ears
• Neck

A pair of anti-UV sunglasses can also safeguard the eyes from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.

Keep Dehydration at Bay

The increased risk of dehydration is another reason older adults face higher odds of developing heat-related problems. From a blunted thirst sensation to medications that increase fluid loss or urination, all these can make seniors dehydrated.

Dehydration is dangerous, as it can cause the following symptoms and complications:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Sleepiness without an apparent cause
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Dark or bloody stool
• Unexplained tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps

Being dizzy and having muscle cramps can make seniors woozy enough to have a fall. Falls can be debilitating, and are the primary cause of injuries among the elderly population (both fatal and nonfatal), says the National Council on Aging.

For seniors to avoid dehydration and its many unwanted, even dangerous complications, please keep these hydration tips and tricks in mind:

• Drink more (and more often) than usual
• Carry a refillable water jug or tumbler and take regular sips from it (don't forget to refill it throughout the day!)
• Keep a full water jug in the fridge of your senior apartment home
• Set phone reminders every 20 to 30 minutes or so to hydrate

For seniors who are not keen on drinking plain, "tasteless" water, consider "spicing" it up with natural flavors. For instance, you can add a few slices of citrus fruits or herbs like rosemary to make it more palatable.

Drink Alcoholic Beverages in Moderation

Just as crucial to avoid dehydration is minimizing alcohol consumption. While a glass of ice-cold beer may seem tempting during a hot Los Angeles summer day, it can contribute to dehydration as it makes you urinate more.

You can always enjoy alcoholic beverages. However, please do so in moderation, and increase your water intake, too.

Follow These Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Checking weather conditions, enjoying the outdoors earlier in the morning, dressing appropriately, and avoiding dehydration are all crucial extreme heat safety tips for seniors in Los Angeles, CA. Through these strategies, older adults in the area can enjoy the majestic natural beauty of the city while staying cool, safe, and comfy.

Don't forget that at The Watermark at Westwood Village, a team of friendly and caring associate support professionals is available 24/7. We also have many on-site amenities, from our daily indoor and outdoor activities to our gourmet dining, comfy lounge areas, well-stocked library, and pet-friendly environment.

If all those perks sound like your kind of retirement living, we invite you to call us today. We look forward to giving you a tour of our highly rated senior living community in Los Angeles, CA!