Summer Safety: Stay Cool and Stay Hydrated
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems.1 With summer approaching, temperature changes, chronic conditions, and prescription medications increase risks for older adults.
Consult your medical provider about how the heat may affect your health conditions or medications.
How to Stay Cool
- Stay inside air-conditioned buildings whenever you can. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, New York city has available cooling centers. Our PACE centers are open to CenterLight participants during operating hours. If you're a CenterLight participant and would like to attend our PACE center, call us to schedule transportation at 1-833-CL-CARES (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.
- Pace yourself when doing activities, including exercise.
- Some medications may affect the body's ability to cool itself or may have harmful risks during extreme heat. For example, some blood pressure and heart medications can increase the risk of fainting and falling or inhibit the feeling of thirst, while others can interfere with temperature regulation.2 Speak with your medical provider regarding the medications you're taking and ask them how you can minimize harmful risks.

- Take cool showers or baths to help your body cool off. Remember to be careful and ask your caregiver for assistance with these tasks.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothes that are comfortable and cool.
Caregivers: What You Can Do to Beat the Heat
- Stay informed: Check the local news for health and safety updates.
- Hydration is key.
- Time outdoor activities wisely.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources:
- 1 Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+)
- 2 Some Medications Can Increase Risk of Heat-Related Illness, UCLA Health
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Updated June 25, 2025