The region of Gahanna in Ohio can have extreme weather during some parts of the year. This can have an impact on seniors with disabilities. Understanding how this happens is a way to ensure that they are protected from any damage arising from extreme weather. In this article, you can identify how extreme weather in Gahanna, OH can affect seniors with disabilities. This will give caregivers and other parties an idea of how to care for seniors with disabilities during such weather. One of the adverse weather conditions to look out for is extreme heat, which can harm one’s general health.
Older Individuals May Have a Physiological Disadvantage in Handling Extreme Weather
Our bodies are capable of adapting to changes in weather. For instance, when it gets hot, physiological changes such as blood vessel dilation and shunting of blood to the skin to radiate the heat from the body to the environment. In this way, our bodies cool down despite the heat. Sweating is also a method of cooling down since the evaporation of water from the skin is a process that requires heat to be expended from the body, thus generally reducing the body temperature.
As you get older, these systems become less effective. For instance, sclerosis of the veins results in stiffening which reduces the ability of blood to reach the skin to radiate the heat away from your body. As a result, you may be more susceptible to the effects of adverse weather now compared to when you were younger.
Retirees With Disabilities May Have Impaired Cognition
Another risk posed to residents in a retirement community with disabilities is age-related cognition impairment which increases the risk of pathology when exposed to extreme weather conditions. When it is hot, for instance, it is necessary to take measures such as hydrating to compensate for fluid losses when sweating, avoiding overdressing which could increase core body temperature and staying in shaded areas as much as possible.
If you are unable to do this due to a physical disability such as the sequelae of a stroke, living in a retirement community may be beneficial. You will have access to team members who can help you cope with any adverse weather conditions and will also have access to the necessary medical assistance. Retirement communities located in areas with adverse weather are usually prepared for such incidents, giving you a particularly good chance of avoiding the effects of adverse weather conditions.
Potential Mental Effects
Extreme weather is also likely to adversely impact mental well-being. An example is very hot weather which restricts movement, as you may want to stay in your cool, air-conditioned independent living apartment. However, the longer you lose social connection, the greater the chances of developing conditions such as depression.
This is why you are encouraged to take part in activities and to socialize with other retirement community members even during adverse weather. To make movement easier, you can always seek the help of the retirement community team members. They will help you move from place to place without exposing yourself to adverse weather.
