When summer comes along, beating the heat can be a life or death matter for older people. Most of the 200 people in the U.S. who die of heat stroke each year are over age 50, according to The National Institute on Aging. But some "cool care" can help seniors survive the summer heat. Every heat-related death is preventable if seniors and their caregivers know the signs of heat stroke and how to keep cool in their homes when the mercury rises.

Temperatures do not have to reach 100° F to endanger seniors. Normal aging, health conditions and medication side effects all amplify the risk from heat. Poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands make it harder for seniors to regulate their internal temperature. Heart, lung and kidney diseases only add to the problem. On top of that, diuretics, sedatives and some blood pressure drugs can prevent the body from perspiring to cool itself.

Heat exhaustion, which precedes heat stroke, provides early warning signs that the body can no longer cool itself. These signs include sweating, cold clammy skin, fast weak pulse, fatigue, dizziness or nausea. Progression to life-threatening heat stroke is often marked by fainting; behavior change such as confusion; dry flushed skin with no sweating; a strong rapid or slow weak pulse; and a body temperature above 103° F. Heat stroke is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Fortunately, seniors can avoid heat exhaustion and the danger of heat stroke by following these ten simple tips:

1. Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned place, at home or at a friend's or loved one's home, in a mall, library or senior center.
2. If you need help traveling to a cool place, contact a friend, relative or senior service agency; or call a taxi. Don't wait outside for a bus.
3. Use fans, open windows at night, open windows on two sides of the building for cross-ventilation, and draw the shades in the afternoon.
4. Go outside only in the early morning or late evening. Stay in shady areas, wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade.
5. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
6. Reduce your exercise and activities during periods of high heat.
7. Drink plenty of liquids and eat fruit. If your doctor has limited your fluid intake, ask what to do on hot days. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
8. Eat lightly and more frequently, with a minimum of cooking.
9. Take a cool sponge bath, bath or shower.
10. Arrange for a relative, friend, neighbor or other caregiver to check in on you frequently during hot weather.