During the 2003 European heatwave, tens of thousands of people died — the majority of them elderly. The UK is not immune to this risk. During the 2022 UK heatwave, excess deaths were significantly higher among people aged 65 and over.

Understanding why older people are more vulnerable — and what to do about it — can make a real difference.

Why older adults are more at risk

  • Reduced ability to regulate body temperature: The body’s thermoregulatory system becomes less efficient with age.
  • Less effective thirst response: Older people are less likely to feel thirsty even when dehydrated — and dehydration compounds heat risk.
  • Medication effects: Some common medications (diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants) can impair the body’s response to heat or increase dehydration risk.
  • Reduced social contact: People living alone may not have anyone checking on them.
  • Cooler homes: Many older people live in homes that are difficult to cool, or may be reluctant to use fans or air conditioning.

What to do if you have an elderly relative or neighbour

Check in — more than once

During a heatwave, a single phone call or visit isn’t enough. Check in at least once a day, preferably in the afternoon when indoor temperatures peak.

If you can’t visit, ask a neighbour to look in. Many councils have volunteer networks for exactly this purpose.

Practical help to offer

  • Help close curtains on sunny sides of the house in the morning
  • Make sure they have cold drinks accessible throughout the day
  • If their home is very hot, offer to accompany them to a cool public space (library, supermarket, community centre)
  • Help them find and set up a fan if needed — and show them how to use it effectively
  • Check their medications with their GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure how heat affects them

Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Headache, dizziness or faintness
  • Nausea
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Tiredness or weakness

What to do: Move them to a cool place immediately. Give them cool water to sip. Apply cool, damp cloths to the skin. If they don’t improve within 30 minutes, call 111.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency:

  • Confusion, agitation or slurred speech
  • High body temperature above 40°C
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Stopping sweating despite the heat
  • Rapid, strong pulse

Call 999 immediately.

For clinical guidance, see the NHS heatwave advice and the UKHSA heat-health alerts.

Hydration: the simplest protection

Dehydration is one of the leading contributors to heat-related illness in older adults. Simple strategies:

  • Keep a large glass of water visible and within reach at all times
  • Offer regular drinks — don’t wait to be asked
  • Fruits with high water content (melon, cucumber, strawberries) can help
  • Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine, which contribute to dehydration

Local support resources

  • NHS 111 can provide phone advice during a heatwave
  • Many local councils operate wellbeing check services during heat alerts — check your council website
  • The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90) provides telephone support for older people

Related: Current heatwave status · UK heatwave tips

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For medical advice about heat-related illness, consult the NHS website or your GP. For official heatwave warnings, visit the Met Office.