‘I saw a woman on a mobility scooter doing her grocery shopping during the hottest part of the day. Somebody should have intervened.’
Laura van Geffen is a clinical geriatrician (a doctor for the elderly) at Maxima Medical Centre. She is concerned about the welfare of vulnerable elderly people in the current heatwave temperatures.
In the video above, she gives 3 important tips to help the elderly community to survive the heat.
Firstly, she advises us to make sure they have enough cold food and drinks, such as ice cream and cold drinks. Cold footbaths, cold compresses, fans and air conditioning can also be helpful. Advise elderly people to rest, to not be too active and to remain indoors. All of this helps to keep the body temperature at a safe level.
Secondly, make sure elderly people drink and eat enough. Older people do not always feel thirsty as much as younger people, but it is still important to encourage them to drink plenty. Advise them to look at their urine. If it is dark in colour, they need to drink more. It is important to eat enough as food contains salt, which helps your body to absorb moisture.
Lastly, she urges us to keep an eye on neighbours and loved ones and to intervene when necessary.
Source: Omroep Brabant
Translator: Rachael Vickerman
