When is it Too Hot? Generally speaking, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) are considered dangerous for the elderly, especially when accompanied by high humidity levels. One of the primary mechanisms the body uses to cool itself is sweating. However, as we grow older, sweat glands don't produce as much as they once did.
When the temperature climbs above 80°F, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions to avoid ailments due to excessive heat.
People aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems. Stay cool and hydrated during hot weather. Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
With all that said, as a general rule of thumb, the ideal temperature for the elderly in a living room is 21°C, or 70°F, and above, and it's a minimum of 18°C, or 64°F, in the bedroom. Bathrooms, meanwhile, should be between 22°C and 24°C, or 71°F and 75°F.
Older adults are more likely to be affected by summer heat. People over 65 don't sweat as much as younger adults, which is one of the body's most important heat-regulation mechanisms. Seniors also store fat differently, which complicates heat-regulation in the body further.
According to these federal guidelines, during the summer you should set your thermostat at 85F during the day when no one is home. They also recommended setting your thermostat at 82F at night.
When is it Too Hot? Generally speaking, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) are considered dangerous for the elderly, especially when accompanied by high humidity levels. One of the primary mechanisms the body uses to cool itself is sweating. However, as we grow older, sweat glands don't produce as much as they once did.
Traditionally, the “elderly” are considered to be those persons age 65 and older. By that definition, in 1987 there were just over 30 million elderly people in the United States, more than 12 percent of the total U.S. population of nearly 252 million (Table 3.1).
If it's 90 degrees outside, most people would set their AC to a perfectly comfortable temperature of 68-72°F.
Key points to remember about hot weather safety
Older people can have a tougher time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to be high to put them at risk for a heat-related illness. Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness.
Some commonly prescribed medications that increase risk from heat include diuretics, anticholinergic agents, and psychotropic medications.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death.
In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
One heating and air conditioning company recommends maintaining indoor temperature between 68 and 74 degrees; similarly, the researchers behind that European study recommend that seniors keep the temperature at 68 degrees or warmer.
Research shows sleep can be disrupted by temperatures anywhere below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But for most people, heat interferes with sleep more than cold does. Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
The transition from adulthood to seniorhood can be challenging for some individuals. It is generally considered that anyone who reaches 60 or 65 is becoming a senior citizen. Understanding the age of seniorhood is very important to support and aid your loved ones while knowing their struggles.
Typically, fatigue in the Elderly can be due to receiving medical treatments (such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy) Other causes include untreated pain, recovering from surgery and chronic diseases such as heart or kidney disease, diabetes, liver or thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The United States' older adult population can thus, be divided into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old (approximately 65 to 74 years old), the middle-old (ages 75 to 84 years old), and the old-old (over age 85).
It's advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that's too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home. Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you're awake and 62 degrees when you're sleeping.
Signs of decline in overall health include weight loss, changes in appetite, problems swallowing, fatigue, burns, black and blue marks (possible signs of falling), hearing loss (look for signs of lip reading and talking loudly), withdrawn without reason, complaints of muscle weakness, insomnia, excessive sleeping or ...
Find Your Sweet Spot. Check the temperature of your room, and make sure that you aren't succumbing to the effects of an overheated bedroom. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep experts recommend keeping your bedroom at 65 degrees.
If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees. This setting strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Lowering the thermostat setting too much can cause the AC to run continuously, leading to higher electricity bills and more frequent repairs.
An influential limit. After an influential study in 2010, climate researchers often use a wet bulb temperature of 35 degrees C — roughly equivalent to 95 degrees F at 100% humidity — as an upper limit for human survival and adaptability without cooling.
The suggested temperature setting by Energy Star is 85 degrees when no one is home. However, if you live in a region of the country with consistently high humidity levels, consider setting the thermostat closer to 80 so your HVAC system doesn't run as frequently.