As another summer settles in, extreme heat is once again becoming one of the state’s most serious seasonal health risks, especially for older adults.

Arizona is one of the hottest places from May through September, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Heat-related illnesses send an average of about 4,298 people to Arizona emergency rooms each year, and the state reported 5,285 heat-related emergency department visits in 2024.

For older adults, the risks are often greater and less obvious.

“Heat-related illness in seniors does not always look dramatic right away,” said Wanda Forden, founder of New Visions Assisted Living in Scottsdale. 

“Sometimes the earliest signs are subtle. Someone may seem more tired, confused, withdrawn, or unsteady before families realize there is a serious issue developing.”

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Why older adults are more vulnerable to heat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that adults age 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems because they do not adjust as well as younger people to unexpected temperature changes. They are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions or take prescription medications that affect the body’s ability to control temperature or sweat.

That combination can make Arizona summers particularly dangerous.

“A lot of people assume heat exhaustion only happens after long periods outdoors,” Forden said. 

“But for seniors, dehydration and overheating can happen much faster, even indoors if the environment is too warm or fluids are not being replaced consistently.”

Early warning signs families should watch for include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, confusion, weakness, nausea, decreased urination, or changes in balance and coordination.


Why waiting until you feel thirsty can be risky

One of the biggest misconceptions about hydration is that thirst alone is enough to guide fluid intake. For older adults, that is not always the case. Aging can reduce the body’s natural thirst response, meaning seniors may already be dehydrated before they feel thirsty.

“Families often encourage hydration only after someone says they are thirsty,” Forden said. 

“The problem is many older adults may not recognize thirst the same way they used to. Hydration needs to become part of the daily routine, especially during Arizona summers.”

Families can help by offering water consistently throughout the day and encouraging hydrating foods such as fruit, vegetables, soups, or electrolyte-rich beverages when appropriate.

Rethinking summer activity

Physical movement remains important for healthy aging, but Arizona heat requires families to rethink timing and intensity during the summer months. The CDC recommends staying in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during hot weather and staying cool and hydrated. For older adults, that may mean shifting walks, stretching, or light activity indoors when temperatures rise.

“Staying active is still incredibly important for seniors,” Forden said. “But during the summer, activity should be adjusted around the heat rather than pushing through it.”

Morning walks, indoor stretching, light movement exercises, and social activities in cool environments can help older adults stay engaged while reducing heat exposure.

The hidden health impact of isolation

Summer heat can also create another challenge for older adults: isolation.

When temperatures climb, many seniors avoid leaving home altogether. While staying indoors may reduce heat exposure, it can also increase loneliness and reduce social interaction, movement, and cognitive stimulation.

“Isolation becomes a much bigger concern during the summer,” Forden said. “When seniors stop going out, stop seeing people, or stop participating in routines they enjoy, it can affect both physical and emotional health.”

Simple ways families can help protect older loved ones

Forden said small, proactive steps can make a major difference during Arizona summers:

  • Check on older relatives regularly, especially during excessive heat warnings.
  • Encourage fluids throughout the day instead of waiting for thirst cues.
  • Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed during peak afternoon heat to reduce indoor temperature gain.
  • Cool the rooms seniors use most, especially bedrooms and main living areas, rather than trying to overcool unused spaces.
  • Seal gaps around doors and windows and avoid using ovens or heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Schedule outdoor errands or activities during early morning hours.
  • Watch closely for subtle behavioral or physical changes.
  • Help seniors maintain social interaction and regular routines, even indoors.

The bigger picture

As Arizona’s population continues to age, heat safety is becoming a larger public health conversation. U.S. Census Bureau data shows adults age 65 and older are 19.6% of Arizona’s population, making senior wellness during extreme heat an increasingly urgent issue for families across the state.

For Forden, awareness is one of the most important tools families have.

“People often think of heat illness as something sudden,” she said. “But in older adults, it is usually gradual. The earlier families notice changes and respond, the safer their loved ones will be throughout the summer.”