Seniors Need To Stay Warm When It's Cold Out

A drop in temperature might not concern younger people but for an older adult, it can bring on the onset of hypothermia, a condition that causes the body's temperature to drop to 96 degrees or lower. Underlying medical conditions and inactivity can cause diminished reaction to cold.

Hypothermia is serious and should be attended to immediately. Symptoms include slowed or slurred speech, sleepiness or confusion, shivering or stiffness in arms and legs, poor control over body movements, or a weak pulse.

This is what you can do to prevent hypothermia in the elderly:

1. Keep the home at 68-70 degrees.

2. Layer clothes including long underwear. Wear warm socks and slippers and keep a toasty blanket close at hand. Wear a hat or cap, mittens or gloves and a scarf outdoors.

3. Make sure that your medications don't increase your risk.

For more about hypothermia and other first aids, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Cool Down in Summer Heat

According to Mayo Clinic, heatstroke can be a life-threatening heat-related problem. Older adults are at high risk as are those people suffering from dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.

If you or someone you know shows any of these signs, heatstroke may be the problem:

Rapid heartbeat

Rapid and shallow breathing

Elevated or lowered blood pressure

Hot and dry skin

Irritability, confusion, unconsciousness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Headache

Nausea

Fainting

Move the person out of the sun and into a cooler place.

Call for emergency assistance.

Cover with damp sheets or spray with cool water.

Blow cooler air onto the person.

Encourage water.

For more about heatstroke, heat exhaustion and other first aid topics, visit 50somethinginfo.com. It's better and more thorough than ever.