Published by: National Institute on Aging
Many people enjoy warm-weather outdoor activities like walking, gardening, or playing tennis. Make sure to play it safe in hot weather. Too much heat can be risky for older adults and people with health problems. Being hot for too long can cause hyperthermia — a heat-related illness that includes heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
If you want to be active when it’s hot outside:
- Check the weather forecast. If it’s very hot or humid, exercise inside with videos online, or walk in an air-conditioned building like a shopping mall.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Water and fruit juices are good options. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. If your doctor has told you to limit liquids, ask what to do when it is very hot outside.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics.
- Dress in layers so you can remove clothing as your body warms up from activity.
- Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and get medical help right away if you think someone has one.