Elderly
Summer Safety Tips for Elderly to Avoid Heat-related Illnesses
Global warming is making summers hotter and more humid. During the summer season, the oppressive heat can take a toll on anyone, particularly the senior citizens. Due to the sweltering heat of the sun, the temperature becomes unbearable, which is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly people.
Common Summer Heat-related Illnesses that Can Affect Senior Citizens
As people age, their bodies become less able to regulate their temperature. Elderly people especially face challenges in coping with the extreme temperatures, and their vulnerability to heat-related issues is a cause for concern.
Due to the heat and increased sun exposure, heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are common concerns. Seniors may also experience exacerbation of chronic conditions, skin problems, and vitamin D deficiency.
Read more: Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe
10 Tips for Senior Citizens to Stay Healthy in Summer
These summer safety tips for the elderly aim to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes elderly people forget to drink enough water. They should be encouraged to drink lots of fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. When it's hot, our bodies lose more water through sweat, making dehydration a real risk. By drinking plenty of fluids, senior citizens can keep their bodies hydrated and maintain their overall health.
Water is the best choice because it does not have any added sugar or calories. To make it easier, a water bottle can be stored nearby. They can also use mobile apps that will remind them from time to time to take a sip. Dehydration symptoms include feeling tired, dizzy, or having dry mouth, so it is essential to stay hydrated to prevent these issues and feel better during the summer heat.
Read more: Summer 2023: Ceiling Fan Buyer's Guide with Price Range in Bangladesh
‘Most elderly Bangladeshis I met said they feel like burden’: UN expert
Bangladesh must take concrete action to combat entrenched and pervasive ageism and follow through on its planned measures to ensure human rights protection of elderly persons, a UN expert said.
“I remain hopeful that Bangladesh will provide the appropriate political will and budgeting to strengthen the protection of older persons in the country,” Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights for older persons, told reporters in Dhaka on Thursday.
Concluding an 11-day visit here, the UN expert welcomed the existence of a dedicated National Policy on Older Persons, as a first commendable step.
“However, the lack of a time-bonding action plan to further its implementation remains problematic,” Mahler said.
More than nine years after its adoption, most of the priorities remain unattended.
Acknowledging the government’s ongoing challenges related to climate change and a growing economic and financial crisis, she called on the government to recognise older persons’ experiences, skills and contributions to their families and society at large.
“Such recognition would enhance support and protection to a growing proportion of the population that remains invisible,” Mahler said in a statement.
“Most of the older persons I met expressed often feeling like a burden to their family and the society, due the rampant structural ageism.”
Read more: Bangladesh faces a challenge in ensuring welfare of its aging population
While Bangladeshi society has a tradition of respecting and providing care for older relatives, their specific needs are easily ignored, she said.
“Older persons especially face structural ageist assumptions in the labour market, preventing those living in poverty to sustain themselves and their kin,” the expert said.
Elderly duo left for dead fearing infection in Savar
Two sexagenarians found abandoned out in the streets, apparently over fears of being infected by Coronavirus, were rescued and admitted to Savar Upazila Health Complex over Saturday and Sunday.