Feeling the heat?

From staying hydrated to preventing sunburn, knowing how to prepare for hot weather can make all the difference for older adults.

- By CAMILLA FOSTER

AS heatwaves become increasingly frequent, some groups are more vulnerable to its effects than others.

Older adults are often advised to take extra precautions during periods of high temperatures. Ageing makes it significantly harder for the body to cope with extreme weather, explains Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

Heatwaves can be a stressful time, but the positive news is that there are steps you can take to lower these risks. Here are some practical tips to stay safe during hot weather...

Stay in the shade

“Try to stay out of the sun and out of direct light as much as possible,” advises Caroline.

Keep curtains closed during the day

“Close all the blinds and curtains to block out any sunlight that might bring heat into the house during the day, then at night open the windows to let the cooler air in,” says Caroline.

Stay hydrated

“Drink lots of cold drinks and keep your water topped up throughout the day,” advises Caroline.

A flannel in the freezer