Beat the heat! Hot weather advice for older people in Wandsworth

Urgent advice on how to keep cool and stay safe this summer from Age UK Wandsworth.

Climate change is affecting temperatures in the UK, with the hottest years on record being reported since 2022, when temperatures exceeded 40°C and more than 2,800 people over 65 lost their lives due to the heat. With temperatures set to rise again this week, it's vital that older people are prepared in order to stay safe - and that we are all on the lookout for anyone who may be suffering from a heat-related illness.

What are the risks?

While many of us enjoy warmer weather, some people can be at risk of becoming seriously ill when temperatures climb, including older people and those with underlying health conditions. Hot weather can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

Click here to see the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Stay Cool!

Here are our top tips for staying cool and beating the heat this summer:

Plan ahead:

Check the weather forecast and the news for hot weather alerts. Click here to see the met office weather forecast for London.

Schedule any activities to cooler times of the day, or where possible postpone to a cooler day. Try to avoid being outside between 11am and 3pm, when temperatures are at their highest.

If you are planning to spend time outside, make sure you have plenty of food, water and any medications needed.

Keep yourself cool:

Drink plenty of fluids (especially water!) and avoid excess alcohol, tea and coffee as these are diuretics which cause dehydration. 

Dip your hands in cold water (an old navy trick which is still used to this day!). Research has shown that core temperature is reduced by around one degree for every 10 minutes of hand immersion in 15°C water.

Put a flannel in the freezer and use it to cool down your head.

Put ice cubes on your pulsepoints - on the wrists and side of the neck.

If you have a fan, place a bowl of ice cubes in front of it for an icy blast of cool air!

Wear loose, light coloured clothing and a hat and sunglasses if going outdoors. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin!

Cool your skin down with water (take cool baths or showers if possible) and walk slowly.

Dump the duvet and sleep with cool cotton sheets to help you sleep. 

Find somewhere cool:

Close windows, blinds and curtains during the peak heat of the day to keep the sun out and rooms cool. Only open windows when it's cooler outside than in.

Go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler.

Avoid confined spaces like stationary cars, trains or buses where possible.

Be safe:

Be on the lookout for signs of heat related illness (see link to NHS advice below).

Look after yourself and check in with others.

Get help if you feel unwell. Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Further resources:

Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke - NHS (www.nhs.uk)