Heat stroke is a serious condition that affects hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors every year. Even worse, it can actually occur while they are driving in severe heat conditions. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid this problem by using auto air conditioning.

Heat Exhaustion While Driving Is Dangerous

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and temporarily shuts down to prevent serious damage. As a result, people who suffer from heat stroke are likely to grow dizzy or even faint while driving. Obviously, this is a huge danger because it could cause unsafe driving or even severe accidents that threaten the lives of everyone involved.

The scary thing about heat stroke of this type is that it mostly typically impacts seniors. As seniors often have decreased driving reaction time, heat exhaustion is an even more serious problem for them. But why does this problem tend to impact seniors more often?

Why The Elderly Are Prone To This Problem

Elderly people are more prone to heat exhaustion for a variety of reasons, including decreased sweating and a change in the way their body stores fat. However, various diseases (such as heart problems), prescription medications, and poor water intake can all affect their ability to manage heat. That's why air conditioning in the home is such an important way for seniors to stay healthy during the summer.

By extension, air conditioning in the car is just as important, as it can help avoid serious car accidents. As a result, they need to make sure their cooling system is not suffering from any serious problems. However, they also need to make sure they don't run their air conditioning too heavily because this can also increase their risk of heat stroke.

Air Conditioning Can Help

Seniors who regularly drive their car need to make sure that their air conditioning is working properly. This action helps to ensure that they don't suffer from the kind of heat illness that can affect them while driving. It is important not to overuse air conditioning, though, as the contrast between high heat and very cool temperatures may cause an adverse reaction when they leave the car.

The best way to use air conditioning is to run it at a medium speed to decrease the temperature of the car by 5-10 degrees. That slight change will help make the heat more tolerable for seniors without causing a cold rush. It is also important to keep hydrated during extreme heat conditions and to avoid excessive activity that could exhaust the senior.

By following these guidelines, a senior can drive safely and avoid serious heat exhaustion. A trip to an air conditioning repair service may be crucial, especially if their system is low on Freon or is struggling to run properly.