Arizona’s heat may pose a high risk to older adults

The Arizona heat can harm the elderly. The heat affects especially those in mobile homes and on fixed incomes. But actually, older people are at higher risk also just because they get ‘cold’ so easily and turn their thermostat to 84 or higher, and then get dehydrated or worse.

 Will Humble, Executive Director at the Arizona Public Health Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss further on how excessive Arizona heat causes negative effects on older adults.

“There’s been some recent studies that show that not just the risk for acute death,” Humble explained, “…but like limiting longevity may be something that the heat does too.”

Humble discussed went on to discuss how the heat in Arizona specifically can be harmful to individuals compared to other states.

“…they are estimating that in a climate like ours, the Phoenix area…that just living here ages you 14 months faster over the course of a lifetime than if you were living in…a cooler place like Prescott,” Humble said.

Humble explained how when an individual becomes heat stressed, their organ systems become stressed, blood chemistry changes, one can become dehydrated as well.

“I think it makes sense that over the course of many many summers,” Humble stated, “…that would have an impact.”

As one get’s older the ability to recognize they are thirsty or sweating becomes reduced. Pre-existing conditions can also pose as a risk to individuals.

“…of course homelessness is by far the biggest risk of dying from the heat,” Humble emphasized.

Humble also explained how the biggest socioeconomic risks in regards to the heat are individuals being able to afford air conditioning, and those that own mobile homes.