Heat Wave Safety for Older Adults

Why are older adults at higher risk in a heat wave?

Older adults are at higher risk in a heat wave because their bodies adjust more slowly and they are more likely to have conditions and prescriptions that blunt the response to heat. The CDC gives four reasons: people 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems, adjust less well than younger people to sudden temperature changes, more often have a chronic condition that changes the body's response to heat, and more often take prescriptions that affect temperature control or sweating.

Thirst is part of the problem. CDC tells older adults to drink more water than usual and not to wait until they feel thirsty. Anyone whose doctor limits fluids or prescribes water pills should ask that doctor how much to drink when it is hot.

Which medicines raise heat risk?

Diuretics, anticholinergic agents and some psychotropic medicines are the most commonly prescribed drugs that raise heat risk, according to CDC guidance written for clinicians. The same guidance says beta-blockers limit the widening of blood vessels near the skin, and that certain combinations, such as an ACE inhibitor or ARB taken with a diuretic, may significantly increase risk. Stimulants and antipsychotics can interfere with the brain's temperature control.

The rule for families is short: don't stop or change any medicine because of the heat. The CDC consumer page says to talk to a doctor first, and the clinician guidance warns against stopping a drug abruptly without a plan. A pharmacist can review a medication list for heat risks.

Storage counts too. CDC tells clinicians to warn patients not to leave medicines in a car or anywhere that gets very hot. If the power goes out for more than a day, Ready.gov says to discard medicine that should be refrigerated unless its label says otherwise, so ask the pharmacy for a replacement plan before a long outage.

How hot is too hot indoors?

No federal agency sets a maximum safe indoor temperature for homes, but the CDC's line is 90°F: below it, fans can help; above it, a fan can raise body temperature and the person needs air conditioning. For an older adult, act well before that point, especially if the house stays hot overnight or they take one of the medicines above. The CDC HeatRisk Dashboard gives a zip-code forecast with recommended actions.

Some cities set rental minimums. The Arizona courts' legal help pages say a Phoenix landlord with installed A/C must keep the unit cooling to 82°F or at least 20 degrees below the outside temperature, or 86°F for a swamp cooler. Dallas's rental rules call for refrigerated air at least 15 degrees below the outside temperature and never above 85°F. Elsewhere, check your city's housing code. In Arizona, the courts' FAQ says the usual 10-day repair window for landlords shortens to five days when the problem threatens health or safety.

Electric bills shouldn't force the A/C off. Texas utility rule §25.483(j) from Texas utility regulators bars disconnection for nonpayment while an NWS heat advisory is in effect for the county. The A/C breakdown page covers what to do if the system quits, and cooling one room covers a backup window unit.

How should family and neighbors check in on older adults?

Visit in person at least twice a day during a heat wave, and use each visit to answer four questions the CDC lists: Are they drinking enough water? Do they have access to air conditioning? Do they know how to keep cool? Do they show signs of heat stress? A phone call helps, but a visit lets you feel the room and see the person.

Watch for muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting, which the CDC lists among the symptoms needing prompt medical care. Confusion, slurred speech or fainting are signs of heat stroke and mean calling 911 and cooling the person while you wait; the illness signs page has the full first aid steps. CDC also suggests an arrangement both ways: check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.

Numbers for caregivers

• 2 visitsMinimum daily check-ins during heatCDC
• 90°FIndoor temperature where fans stop being safeCDC
• 82°FPhoenix rental A/C cooling standardArizona Judicial Branch
• 1 dayOutage length after which refrigerated medicine is discarded unless the label differsReady.gov

Other CDC habits are worth posting on the fridge: don't cook with the stove or oven on hot days, wear loose, light-colored clothing, take cool showers or baths, and skip strenuous chores.

Where can older adults get cooling help?

Air-conditioned shelters, cooling centers and the local health department are the first places to turn, and dialing 2-1-1 connects to local services. The CDC's advice for homes without air conditioning is to contact the local health department or find an air-conditioned shelter nearby. In Clark County, Nevada, for example, the county opens cooling stations in recreation centers, libraries and community centers; the cooling centers page explains how to find one in Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Getting there can be the hard part. Maricopa County's 2026 Heat Relief Network offered transportation to and from heat relief sites based on eligibility. For the cost of running A/C, usa.gov says the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay cooling bills or provide emergency help during an energy crisis.

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