Gesundheitsamt
Bremen
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People aged 65 and over

People aged 65 and over
As we age, our bodies become less able to adapt to heat. We feel less thirsty and sweat less. This increases the risk of overheating and dehydration.

As we age, we are also more likely to need to take medication. Some medications put additional strain on the circulatory system or contribute to dehydration.

Dehydration

You can recognise dehydration by these signs:

  • Thirst
  • dry mouth and mucous membranes
  • headaches, dizziness, feeling of weakness
  • infrequent urination
  • dark urine
  • confusion
  • palpitations
  • muscle cramps

Mobility often decreases with age. This has a negative impact on the ability to adapt to heat. For example, it is no longer so easy to leave a warm flat and find a cool place.

Tips for heat protection

In addition to our general tips, you can protect yourself from the heat in the following ways:

  • [BOLD Drink] regularly – even if you don't feel thirsty: a few sips every 30-60 minutes. Use a drinking reminder, such as a drinking app, alarm clock or voice assistant. Make the amount you drink visible by, for example, preparing a container with a known capacity in the morning or keeping a tally of the glasses or cups you have drunk. Create variety: drink mineral water, diluted fruit juices or broths. Cool down: take a foot bath with water and place a cool washcloth on your forehead, wrists or neck. Have your GP check your medication intake. Talk to your GP about a personal emergency plan: Which symptoms are warning signs for me? Who should I call? Follow the instructions for storing your medication. Enlist the help of relatives or neighbours: They can support you and ask you how much you have drunk each day.

Telephone consultation hours and contact

Postal
Bremen Health Authority
Environmental hygiene

Horner Straße 60-70
28203 Bremen
Postal <br /> Bremen Health Authority <br /> Environmental hygiene