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Along with summer comes heat and humidity. While most of us enjoy the summer weather, older adults are more vulnerable than the general population to the extreme heat. Some of the reasons older people are more prone to heat stress include the lack of ability to adjust to sudden changes in temperature, chronic medical conditions that upset normal body responses to heat, and prescription medications impairing the body’s ability to regulate temperature. 

Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging has a cool alternative for older adults to escape the heat.  Stop by one of Hawkeye Valley’s 17 Healthy Lifestyles Centers located in Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Buchanan, Chickasaw Hardin, Grundy, Marshall, Tama, and Poweshiek counties and enjoy a nutritious meal as well as daily activities such as bingo, Wii games, card games, special presentations, and movies. 

“We want to make sure older individuals are safe and have a place where they can go to cool down on these extremely hot days,” said Sally Myers, Associate Director of Program Services.

Meals are available on a contribution basis for those aged 60 and over, otherwise the cost is $6 for those under 60.  Meal times and days vary per location. Meal reservations need to be placed by 9 a.m. each morning.

Myers said, “We are also encouraging the community to take some time to visit elderly neighbors to check if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

According to the CDC the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke include extremely high body temperature (above 103˚F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; and nausea.  Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, cool moist skin, fast and weak pulse, and fast and shallow breathing.

Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging is also offering fans to area residents over the age of 60 who do not have access to air conditioning or the financial means to purchase a fan.  For more information about Hawkeye Valley services call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 319-272-1767 or toll free at 877-538-0508.  Click Here for a complete listing of Healthy Lifestyles Center locations.