How older adults and seniors can prepare for extreme heat events

Among the people most at risk from extreme heat are older adults, seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, or heart, kidney or respiratory disease, as well as those with mental health and substance use concerns. 

“Seniors and older adults are at higher risk when it comes to extreme heat,” says Dr. Sue Pollock, medical health officer at Interior Health (IH). “Many have chronic underlying health conditions or are taking medications that interfere with the body’s ability to stay cool.

“Seniors may have trouble accessing spaces with cooler air due to mobility or transportation challenges, or may not have air-conditioned homes,” she adds. “And seniors and older adults living alone are more vulnerable.”

Dr. Pollock also points out that recognizing heat-related illnesses can be challenging in people of all ages. “Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness,” she explains. “Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer cool itself down and is a medical emergency.

“Heat-related illness is entirely preventable and it’s important that we take steps to protect everyone in our community during extreme heat events,” she explains.

During the 2021 heat dome in B.C. hundreds of lives were lost, primarily in older adults over the age of 50 who were living alone and socially isolated.

“I think it's really important that we take a whole of community approach when it comes to protecting our seniors and older adults,” says Dr. Pollock. “We can develop a buddy system with our neighbours, family and friends to keep each other safe. For example, we can reach out to our elderly neighbour across the street to make a plan for when the temperatures start to climb. We can make sure our elderly family, friends and neighbours are drinking enough fluids, especially water, before they feel thirsty as they are more susceptible to dehydration.”

Related Stories@IH: IH works with community partners to plan for extreme heat

Some ways you can help a senior or older adult during an extreme heat event can look like:

• Regularly checking in, especially on days where the temperature rises above 30°C
• Offering to take a senior or older adult to an air-conditioned space such as a mall, community centre or library

It’s important to plan and make sure that you and your loved ones are ready when the temperature rises in your community. If you can, we encourage you to have the following available at home: 

• Cold packs in your freezer
• Cooling blankets, lightweight clothing and linen
• Access to plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated
• Window coverings to block out heat
• An accurate digital thermometer to measure indoor temperatures
• A space in the coolest part of your home, such as the basement, once outside temperatures reach 31°C
• Misting fans (fans that circulate room air are not recommended over 35°C)
• Air conditioning in at least one room. Free portable air conditioners from BC Hydro are available to households that qualify for the program
• Two weeks’ worth of any medication (both routine and flare-up/emergency) and inhalers
• Portable air cleaners or air filters for your HVAC system for times of potential smoke

Having a personal emergency back-up plan will help you stay safe at home in the event of an emergency or a temporary interruption of Interior Health services that you normally receive in your home. We saw interruptions to services during the 2023 wildfires, for example.

One step you can take is having a neighbour, friend or family member available so they can support you if your care is interrupted unexpectedly.

“We also encourage you to plan ahead before you need to leave your home due to the heat,” says Becky Miller, director, Home Support Transformation. “This plan may include staying with family or a friend or relocating to a cooling space in your community during the hottest part of the day.

“If you are receiving services from IH and are moving to another location, please call your community health worker or office to avoid any disruption to your care.”

• Learn how to prepare and respond to extreme heat
• Find out if you qualify for a free portable air conditioner
• Heat-related Illness (HealthLink BC)
• For heat and air quality updates, tune into the news or download the WeatherCAN app
• Be prepared for extreme heat and drought (Province of B.C.)
• Medical health officers' letter about heat and smoke