Parts of the U.S. is expecting another heat wave this week, which makes it a good time to remind readers of heat safety. Excruciating heat can be more than an annoyance, especially to elderly whose bodies can’t handle extreme weather.
According to a new study, heat stroke isn’t just a result of neglect and elder abuse; the elderly might simply be ignoring the risk.
“That point was underscored in summers past by a Kent State University study of the over-65 crowd in four North American cities. It found that 90 percent of those polled knew about heat warnings for the elderly, but only 15 percent took them personally,” according to news reports .
While some people may not want to admit they are considered “elder,” they may be still at risk for heat stroke. United States Older Americans Act, for instance, targets people aged 60 and older, but it’s a rare 60-year-old who considers himself or herself elderly, according to news reports.
Heat stroke is especially dangerous to the elderly; no matter how healthy that senior is, because our bodies lose the ability to deal with heat as we age, according to news reports.
As a Charleston personal injury lawyer, I’m saddened to hear about elder abuse cases involving heat stroke. I remind all caregivers and loved ones to remind their elderly about the dangers of summer’s hot weather and help ensure they have fans and air conditioning systems to help them stay cool.
If you or a loved one has been injured by elder abuse, contact a personal injury attorney in Charleston.