The Australian summer is well and truly here, and with a recent announcement that 2023 is officially the hottest year on record.
Parts of Queensland expected to reach over 40 degrees in the next week, concerns for the hydration and overall health of older Queenslanders grows.
As the largest provider for clinical and personal care for older Queenslanders, BlueCare Group General Manager for Community Ms Maria McLaughlin-Rolfe, said it was critical for older people, and people that care for them, to understand the potential dangers during the heat and learn how to stay well and hydrated during these extreme peaks.
“As we age our bodies cannot regulate our temperature as well, making it much easier to overheat and become seriously dehydrated,” Ms McLaughlin-Rolfe said.
“Older Queenslanders are at serious risk of heat-related illnesses, including life-threatening heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“We should all know the signs and how to quickly respond.”
Signs of heat-related illness include dehydration, dizziness, tiredness,irritability, loss of appetite, bright or dark urine, as well as heat cramps profuse sweating, painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs and abdomen.
Other signs include heat exhaustion, dry mouth and eyes, nausea or vomiting, pale complexion, poor coordination and heat stroke fast and shallow breathing, rapid pulse, swollen tongue, confusion and poor coordination.
Dehydration requires rest and plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, while symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke require immediate action and medical attention.
She added BlueCare had recently teamed up with Griffith University—supported by funding from the Queensland Government—to develop heat health resources specifically for older Queenslanders as the risks of heat-related illness intensify each summer.
BlueCare has developed a suite of tools and resources for older people and those that care for them on how to manage the heat.
This includes information on how to prepare for heatwaves, identify heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated, tips for keeping the home cool and the safe storage of medicine, available for free at bluecare.org.au/heat-safety