As summer quickly approaches, I am not surprised to hear we’re in a for a hot one. As we age, our bodies are changing how we handle extreme conditions – especially hot weather. That means as we turn the page on the April calendar, we must apply our hard-earned wisdom to our own actions and be proactive about when and how long we allow ourselves to be out in the heat.
Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac agrees. Now in its final publication, the 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted hotter than normal temperatures again this year. (The publication announced in December 2025 that 208 years of continual publishing concludes with this edition.) Weather.com scientists concur, attributing a summer that will be hotter than average to the influence of El Nino.
Have you noticed, however, that as we age our bodies react differently to heat? It is not your imagination. While too much heat is not safe for anyone, risks increase as we get older or if we have health problems. That means hot weather can be dangerous.
Hotter days make it more difficult for our bodies to regulate temperature. Despite most of us believing we can handle the heat better than our younger counterparts (due in part to living without air conditioning for much of our lives), the truth is that many of us have chronic medical conditions that impact how our bodies respond to extended periods of high temperatures. Also, prescription medicines often alter our ability to control temperature or sweat.
According to the National Institute on Aging, some factors may put older adults at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. Health challenges affecting the cardiovascular system, lungs or kidneys are at the top of that list. Other issues that might make you more heat-sensitive are changes in skin from aging; illnesses that make you weak or make you feverish; taking medications like diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, heart and high blood pressure medications or taking several prescriptions at the same time.
Weight also plays a role, whether you are overweight or underweight, and it is important to monitor your intake of alcoholic drinks. Importantly, staying hydrated is a must for the hotter weather of summer.
Here’s a brief list of heatrelated symptoms that might indicate we have had too much vitamin D. Heat syncope, that sudden dizziness we experience as we are active in hot weather, can be caused by beta block heart medications. If you are not acclimated to the hot weather or are feeling dizzy or faint, you should rest in a cool place, put your legs up and hydrate with water.
Heat cramps are a bit more obvious … treat them by stopping the physical activity you are doing, resting and drinking plenty of fluids like water and sports drinks containing electrolytes. Of course, drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages can also cause you to be heatintolerant.
Swelling in your ankles and feet? That is called heat edema. Put your legs up to reduce swelling. If swelling continues, check with your doctor.
Skin irritations often make their itchy or sensitive spots …. well … irritating. Heavy sweating may cause a cluster of small blisters that look like acne on the skin. Keep that infected area dry, using powder to soothe the rash.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are often interchanged, but actually are not the same.
Heat exhaustion is a warning from your body. “Hey, I cannot keep myself cool” it is saying. You may feel thirst, dizziness, weakness and nausea. Your skin may be cold and clammy. Your pulse may be rapid. If you are facing some or all of these symptoms, rest in a cooler location and hydrate. If you do not improve soon, seek medical care.
Remember, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. Your body temperature rises a bove 104 degrees F. You will experience symptoms such as fainting, confusion, acting strangely, not sweating despite the heat, and extreme highs and lows of pulse rate. You should seek medical help right away, move to a cooler place (in the shade or indoors), and attempt to lower your body temperature with cool clothes, a cool shower or bath and moving air fanning you.
When planning summer activities, avoid the mid-day heat. Seek outdoor activities that you may accomplish in the coolest window of the day. Early morning and late evenings are the best time to tackle outdoor tasks and entertainment. Remember to hydrate constantly, wear a hat, light clothing and sunscreen and take breaks in the shade.
Here in northern central Texas, mornings (before 10:00 a.m.) are our best bet for outdoor activities.
Stay safe out there.