An internal medicine and geriatrics specialist is urging older adults to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day as extreme temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and worsening chronic illnesses.

Extreme heat can significantly increase the risk of dehydration, heat-related illness, and complications from chronic diseases, particularly among adults aged 65 years and older. Associate Professor Cemile Özsürekçi advises drinking water regularly without waiting to feel thirsty and avoiding outdoor exposure during peak daytime heat.

Extreme heat poses serious health risks for older adults, specialist warns

Associate Professor Cemile Özsürekçi, a specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics, has warned that extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and worsening chronic medical conditions, particularly among adults aged 65 and older.

Özsürekçi said older adults should not wait until they feel thirsty before drinking water, noting that the sensation of thirst may become less reliable with age. She recommended consuming at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day, unless fluid intake has been medically restricted, and advised people to avoid going outdoors between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. unless absolutely necessary.

Older adults face higher risk

According to the specialist, older adults, people living with chronic illnesses, young children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are among the groups most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These conditions may also aggravate cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.

Hydration is essential

Özsürekçi emphasized that regular fluid intake should continue throughout the day, even in the absence of thirst. She also recommended wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, limiting strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours, and seeking shade or air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

People with medical conditions requiring fluid restriction, such as certain heart or kidney diseases, should follow the hydration advice provided by their healthcare professionals rather than general recommendations.

Public health authorities, including Türkiye’s Ministry of Health, also advise staying well hydrated and minimizing direct sun exposure during periods of extreme heat.

Why It Matters

As climate change contributes to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, heat-related illnesses are becoming an increasing public health concern. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because age-related physiological changes and chronic diseases reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Preventive measures such as adequate hydration and limiting heat exposure can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are older adults more vulnerable to extreme heat?

Aging reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature and often diminishes the sensation of thirst. Many older adults also live with chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of heat-related illness.

How much water should adults drink during hot weather?

General public health recommendations suggest approximately 2 to 2.5 liters of fluids per day during hot weather for healthy adults, although individual needs vary. People with heart failure, kidney disease, or other conditions requiring fluid restriction should follow their physician’s advice.

When should people avoid going outdoors?

Health experts recommend avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, generally between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., whenever possible.

What are the warning signs of heatstroke?

Symptoms may include very high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, hot skin, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Sources: Ministry of Health of Türkiye, Anadolu Agency