Things to be careful of during the summer for the elderly: Hydration, air conditioning, and changing clothes.

As we age, we may become less sensitive to heat and thirst. Some people say, "It's not that hot yet," or "Using the air conditioner is a waste of money," but enduring the heat for extended periods puts a strain on the body.

The guideline for hydration is to drink water "before you feel thirsty."

It's important to drink fluids frequently, rather than waiting until you're thirsty. Drinking small amounts consistently is a more manageable way to stay hydrated than drinking a large amount at once. *If you have fluid restrictions, please follow your doctor's instructions.

If you sweat, it's important to change your clothes.

Wearing sweaty clothes for extended periods can be harsh on the skin. Having a few extra clothes on hand will give both the person receiving care and their caregiver peace of mind. For those living in care facilities, please make sure they have enough clothes when you visit.

When choosing summer clothing, it's important to consider factors such as being easy to change out of after sweating, easy to wash, and resistant to damage even when using a dryer at a facility.

*References: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Information and Materials for Heatstroke Prevention", Ministry of the Environment "Heatstroke Prevention Information Site"