June is Seniors’ Month, a good time to reflect on health issues particularly concerning to older adults – including the risks associated with soaring temperatures – like those being felt across Canada this week – and other climate-related events.

At the latest Sunnybrook Speaker Series, experts shared their insights about how climate change is impacting our health. Dr. Rajin Mehta, a geriatrician and internal medicine specialist and former head of Sunnybrook’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, shared his insights on how climate change, including extreme heat, can impact seniors’ health and well-being.

Temperature and its impact on the body

Temperature affects how humans feel and how bodies function.

“Humans can handle colder temperatures better than heat,” said Dr. Mehta. “The slightest change of just a few degrees in temperature elevation can impact the cells in our bodies, and in turn affect our organs.”

Neurological, liver, cardiac, and renal systems can all be affected by increased temperature, Dr. Mehta said. For older adults, who often have a number of illnesses or health conditions at once (known as multi-morbidity), this can be particularly concerning.

“Higher temperatures affect the function of these very important organs and if someone has more than one impairment in these systems, it can become very complicated, very fast,” said Dr. Mehta.

As people age, it also becomes more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature, a process known as thermoregulation. Seniors have a decreased ability to thermoregulate, which makes it harder for them to adjust to hotter temperatures, even if the elevation in heat is minimal. This can lead to things like dehydration or heat stroke.

Unfortunately, not all seniors have access to things like air conditioning that can help minimize the effects of extreme heat.

“A person’s socioeconomic status is a critical aspect to consider because it has a direct correlation to one’s health and well-being.”, said Dr. Mehta.

Seniors can also be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses if they are taking certain types of medication, such as anticholinergic drugs which are commonly used to treat bladder and gastrointestinal conditions. These medications can impair the body’s ability to sweat, which is a natural way to cool down when temperatures rise.

Indirect Impacts to Health: Food Insecurity & Displacement

 A concern that’s top of mind for many, especially seniors who may already have limited finances, is food insecurity.

“We cannot forget that global issues impact us locally as well,” said Dr. Mehta.

“Seniors are disproportionately affected by poverty, and many are faced with the decision of paying for food or other costs of living like rent.”

Older people are also at a greater risk of displacement due to climate change, Dr. Mehta said. In the event of an environmental emergency such as a tornado or a flood, older people with limited mobility are more likely to face barriers getting to safety.

Given the increase in climate-change related natural disasters, it is important for seniors to have a safety plan in place in the event of an emergency, Dr. Mehta said, especially if there are underlying health concerns or mobility issues.

Key Takeaways

It is crucial to remember that climate change impacts all of us, but the senior population faces heightened risks.

However, there are steps older adults can take to protect their health, such as remembering to stay hydrated and cool, and talking to a health-care provider about how things like extreme heat events may impact their health or interact with their medications.

For seniors experiencing food insecurity, community resources like food banks can provide help. Some organizations also offer support for delivering food bank services to people who have limited mobility and are unable to leave their homes.

Seniors with limited mobility can also make a plan for family or friends to check in on them or help them find alternative living arrangements in the case of an extreme weather event or hazard.

Climate change impacts everyone, but seniors are especially at risk. Offering support, planning preventative measures, and talking openly about the issue can help lessen the risks and impacts caused by climate change among the senior population.

The post The Impact of Climate Change on the Senior Population appeared first on Your Health Matters.

The importance of physical activity

When it comes to falls prevention, physical activity is key.

“When seniors are inactive and sedentary, they are more likely to decondition. It’s one of the risk factors [for falls]: poor activity tolerance, weakness, pain,” says Sara, a physiotherapist in Sunnybrook’s Geriatric Day Hospital, an interdisciplinary outpatient therapy program that provides care for seniors to help them continue to live at home safely.

Sara says stay-at-home orders during the pandemic made it difficult for many seniors to maintain a level of physical activity.

“A lot of seniors have had serious deconditioning from staying home, being sedentary,” she says. “Reduced interactions in the community as they stopped going out to run errands or socialize has had an impact on their mobility, function and overall mental wellbeing.”

Belinda Wagner is a physiotherapist and the team lead for Sunnybrook’s Emergency Department One team, a health professionals team that provides support to patients (most of whom are 70+) who don’t need to stay in hospital, but would benefit from community services. The team ensures discharged patients are well-connected and supported in the community to hopefully prevent a return to hospital. She says physical activity doesn’t mean older adults need to start an intense gym routine, but movement is critical.

“The bottom line is the more you move, the more you’re up and exercising, [the better]. Walks around the block, mall walks, getting up periodically. It can be an exercise program, but functional movement first and foremost is the focus,” she says.

Make a plan

With the cold weather arriving, sidewalks will become slippery, the temperature will drop and older adults may be hesitant about heading outdoors. While it might be more difficult to get outside, Kellen, an Occupational Therapist and Project Manager for Senior Friendly and Quality at Sunnybrook, says making a plan with family members can help.

“Make a plan for how you’re going to stay active this winter,” he says, adding he encourages family members to have this conversation with the seniors in their life. “If family members are involved in making a plan, they can check in and see how that plan is going.”

Another aspect to planning is ensuring the home environment is as safe as possible. Through Sunnybrook’s Specialized Geriatric Services, an outreach team can go into a senior’s home to not only assess home safety (i.e. fall or tripping hazards), but to complete a Comprehensive Geriatric Safety Assessment.

“I feel like most seniors would benefit from a home safety assessment, just to have a look at their environment, how they move within their home, see if they do things safely and to make sure they have adequate gait aides such as canes or walkers,” says Sara. Those assessments can be completed through Sunnybrook’s Specialized Geriatric Services with a physician’s referral. Individuals can also self-refer through Home and Community Care Support Services.

Make use of mobility aids

One way to reduce the risk of falls is to use mobility aids such as canes or walkers, which can provide additional stability and support.

Kellen says if you (or a family member) need to hold a wall when walking or are unstable without support, it could be time to discuss using a mobility aid.

“Some of those signs are indicators that someone might need a bit more support, and the risk of falls is greater if you can’t support yourself. If you’re looking for other things to help you, especially things that aren’t designed to support you while you move, you have a greater risk of falling,” he says.

There may be some reluctance to use mobility aids, but Belinda says they are an important tool to keep older adults safe, active and healthy.

“You’re keeping your independence, you’re keeping your ability to do everything as much on your own, to keep safe and to keep moving,” she says.

Kellen suggests speaking to your family physician or contacting home care for a connection to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to explore whether a mobility aid is a good option for yourself or a family member. For all people, including older adults, remaining active and exercising throughout the winter is important and can actually reduce the risk of falls.

“It’s how do I stay active and moving in a safe way that’s supported and where there’s a plan.”

You can reach Home and Community Care for general inquiries or to make a referral at 310-222—no area code required.

You can reach Sunnybrook’s Geriatric Day Hospital at 416-480-6888

The post How to support and prioritize falls prevention in everyday life appeared first on Your Health Matters.