The Mindful Path — Beat the Heat | July 3, 2025

This summer, some areas of Colorado will expect between 60 to 75 days of temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. After age 65, your body has a harder time keeping you cool, which puts you at risk for heat-related illnesses. Additionally, you are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses if you have a long-term (chronic) health condition or take certain medicines that interfere with how your body normally responds to heat. Some medicines also restrict the body's ability to perspire. Yet, you can still enjoy a safe summer by being careful and protecting yourself when the temperatures rise.

Ask your local area agency on aging if there's a program that gives window air conditioners to older adults who qualify. Denver County may have funds remaining to help. If you can't afford to run your air conditioner, contact your local area agency on aging or senior center. Ask if they know of programs that can help you with electricity bills.

Here are some other ways to keep cool:

If you don’t have air conditioning -

• Open your windows at night. Create a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room or house.

• Cover windows when they're in direct sunlight. Keep curtains, shades, or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.

• Consider purchasing a swamp cooler or window fans.

• Dampen your clothing with water and sit in the breeze from a fan. During the hottest part of the day, plan to take a cool shower.

• Spend at least 2 hours a day (the hottest part, if possible) in an air-conditioned place, such as a library, senior center, movie theatre or a friend's house.

Other reminders:

• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics, such as cotton, to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Light-colored, light weight, and loosely fitting clothing will feel more comfortable and enhance air circulation.

• Plan to exercise or do physical activites in the early morning or after 8 pm in the evening.

• Stay out of the sun. When outdoors, find a shady place to relax. If you’re out, remember a hat, sunglasses and water.

• Listen to weather and news reports. In times of extreme heat, there will often be local sites where people can go to cool down.

• If you experience dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or any other symptom you feel could be related to the heat, call 911.

Drink up!

Unless your healthcare provider has told you to limit your fluids, drink plenty of cool liquids. The gold standard is water. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.

Photo credit: Roland Halpern