Heatwave tips: Mental health and loneliness

This article was written in collaboration with experts from Griffith University's Ethos Project.

You can take charge of your health in the hot weather. It’s important to do so, because heatwaves don’t just impact your physical health. They can affect your mental health too.

How can heatwaves affect mental health?

It's vital for older people to seek shelter from heatwaves. Thus, extreme weather may force you to skip regular activities and spend more time in your house.

Unfortunately, doing so can reduce your social interactions and sense of independence. This can negatively impact your mental health, increasing anxiety and loneliness.

Poor mental health can have a negative impact on your body and brain health, too. In fact, social networks are as important to your health as exercise and diet.

How to stay connected and mentally healthy

Here are some ways to look after yourself and stay connected, even during the hottest days of summer:

1. Do fun indoor activities

Do things you can enjoy inside. This can help you reduce stress while staying out of the heat. For example, you could read, paint, craft, or listen to music.

2. Use technology to stay in touch

Reach out to family and friends through video calls, social media, or a simple phone call.

3. Socialise in cooler areas

• Suggest meeting friends in air-conditioned spaces like libraries, shopping centres, or cinemas.
• Visit community cooling centres. These are public spaces designed for staying cool and socialising during heatwaves. These can include community hubs, swimming centres, or other temperature-controlled locations.

4. Plan safe transportation

• If traveling outside, consider driving or ride sharing to avoid walking or taking public transport in extreme heat.
• Check with services like My Aged Care to arrange transport to a community cooling centre if needed.

5. Consider shaded pool gatherings

• If suitable, a shaded pool can be a refreshing way to socialise.
• Remember to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and make sure the water temperature is safe.

6. Adjust your routine around the weather

You can still go for your daily walk, but it’s best not to do this in the middle of the day. Shift outdoor activities to cooler times of the day, like early mornings or evenings, to avoid peak heat.

Spread awareness, take action

Many older people in Australia don’t identify heatwaves as a risk to their health. By sharing this article, you can help others stay safe and connected during hot weather.

Once you understand the risks of heat, you can take proactive steps to protect your health. You can stay safe, connected, and comfortable, without breaking your budget.

You can explore related articles for more tips here:

Heat safety tips

• Stay cool and take charge of your health this summer
• Keeping your house cool in summer
• Sleeping cool in summer

Mental health tips

• Finding mental health support
• Dealing with loneliness

Learn more about staying safe in the heat at Griffith University’s Ethos Project.

Get in touch with LiveUp

Everyone is different so some of these tips may work better for you than others.

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

References

NSW Health. (2024, December). Who is at greater risk of heat-related health problems? https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/people-most-at-risk.aspx 

Franks, K. H., Summers, M. J., Vickers, J. C., & Tchaco, L. (2021, January). Association of stress with risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 79(4), 1573–1590. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-210094

Yang, C. Y., Boen, C., Gerken, K., Li, T., Schorpp, K., & Harris, K. M. (2016). Social relationships and physiological determinants of longevity across the human life span. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(3), 578–583. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1511085112

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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