[1-Minute Health] In extreme heat, people in their 60s–80s must mind 'this'

“Take extra care with dehydration prevention, blood pressure management, spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis” 

As record heat continues, warning lights are flashing over health risks. Older people aged 60 and over and those with existing illnesses are exposed to greater risk in particular, so special care is needed.

First, as travel and walks mean more time spent walking or standing and activity levels rise, pain from existing but hidden conditions can become pronounced

Those with underlying conditions such as hypertension or diabetes should take care to prevent dehydration and manage blood pressure

Dehydration in older adults can cause changes in blood pressure, which can add to the strain on the cardiovascular system, so care is needed. Those with underlying chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes in particular should pay attention to preventing dehydration and managing their blood pressure.

It has been reported that about 7% of inpatients aged 65 and over are short of fluids, and dehydration accounts for as many as 1.4% of admissions. In patients with diabetes in particular, dehydration raises blood glucose and can be more dangerous.

In addition, when loss of body water raises blood viscosity, clots can form, and in severe cases the movement of such a clot risks cerebral infarction or myocardial infarction. If you feel sudden dizziness, weakness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, difficulty breathing or crushing chest pain, do not put it down to the season; visit a hospital immediately.

Lee Ji-yeon, Chief of Nephrology at St. Peter's Hospital, stressed, "You do not have to take it as water alone; it is good to take in enough fluids little and often, including fruit and vegetables that contain water," adding, "Patients with kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease, must consult a specialist to adjust their fluid intake appropriately."

More spinal stenosis patients in summer... watch for fracture risk too

Spinal stenosis, a typical degenerative condition, has a relatively high number of patients in summer: according to Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data, over the three years from 2023 to 2025 the monthly average number of patients aged 60 and over with spinal stenosis in July and August was 355,000, 2.8% higher than the monthly average for the whole period.

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal and the intervertebral foramen narrow and compress the nerves, producing pain or numbness in the lower back, buttocks and legs. Its typical symptom is 'neurogenic intermittent claudication', in which pain worsens on walking and activity and subsides on sitting or resting. In Korea it is known to affect close to 10% of patients aged 60 and over.

Kang Hyun-wook, an orthopedics specialist and Director of the Spine Center at St. Peter's Hospital, said, "In summer, increased activity and changes in pressure within the spine often bring the symptoms of spinal stenosis to the fore," adding, "Since 80-90% of cases found early can be treated non-surgically with drugs, injections or physiotherapy, it is best to see a specialist as quickly as possible if something feels wrong."

Seniors with osteoporosis or osteopenia also need to watch for vertebral compression fractures and fragility fractures in summer. Everyday accidents are frequent — falls on slippery floors during the rainy season, bumps at home, tumbles while out and about — and these easily cause fractures of the spine, pelvis or femur.

The more severe the osteoporosis, the greater the risk of fracture from even a small impact, so care is also needed with devices such as massage guns that apply strong, repeated pressure. Older people in particular may not properly notice how high the intensity is, so excessively high intensity and prolonged use are best avoided.

Older women are advised to avoid situations that could cause a fracture as far as possible, even without any particular symptoms of osteoporosis. According to the 2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged 70 and over reached 37.2%, and prevalence tended to rise with age.

Director Kang explained, "Fractures of the spine or hip caused by osteoporosis or osteopenia carry a high risk of pain, difficulty walking and lasting after-effects," adding, "Particular care should be taken to avoid slipping on wet floors in summer."

Degenerative arthritis and frozen shoulder also worsen in summer... “consistent health management is important”

In addition, conditions that cause knee and shoulder joint pain, such as degenerative arthritis and frozen shoulder, can also worsen in summer. Low atmospheric pressure and high humidity raise the pressure inside the joints, which can make the pain feel greater. Muscle tension caused by the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures and by cold air from air conditioners is another factor that aggravates joint pain.