Tips to stay safe in Colorado’s hot summer months

Ye s, Colorado has had an unusually long stretch of damp, cloudy weather in a state that typically enjoys soaring temperatures and plenty of sunshine. But the sunshine is back and temps are rising which, as always, means more time relaxing, exercising and playing in Colorado’s great outdoors.

On the heels of Denver’s third hottest summer in recorded history in 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 2023 could likely be one of the Top 10 warmest years on record in much of the U.S., and could possibly approach the Top 5, according to scientists.

For people of all ages — and especially older adults — the risks associated with high temperatures and increased UV rays are very real, from small bouts of dehydration to a full-blown, life-threatening medical emergency. A combination of factors make the preparation for higher temps and more time in the sun that much more important.

According to the National Institute on Aging, people age 65 years and older are more prone to heat-related problems, as our bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature like they did when we were younger. In addition, older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions and/or more likely to be taking prescription medications that can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat. Being overheated for too long or exposed to the sun without protection can cause