Scorching summer heat puts elderly at risk, doctors call for caution

With temperatures rising, geriatricians have started to see elderly persons with signs of dehydration and exhaustion. The scorching heat levels can put the elderly at risk of heat-related illness, and doctors have raised the need to take precautions, recognise warning signs early and seek timely medical help.

Priyanka Rana Patgiri, Consultant, Geriatrics, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said, “Last week, I saw two elderly patients with signs of confusion. Both were at home but did not realise that the indoor heat levels were impacting them. Many tend to keep the windows and doors closed due to the heat levels, leading to poor ventilation. Both the patients had no sweating. They had dehydration and were treated appropriately.”