Age Cymru is calling on friends and family to check in on and support older people who may be particularly at risk.
Victoria Lloyd, CEO of Age Cymru said: “While historically, warmer weather has been an exciting prospect for many people across the country, heatwaves can have a troubling impact on older people, as many often don’t realise they’re overheating until they’re already unwell.
“With the combination of more of us living into older age, a stretched NHS and record temperatures being achieved year-after-year, the risks are becoming more and more serious.
“At Age Cymru we want older people to enjoy the sunshine while also taking care, and it’s those living with long-term health conditions affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys who are most at risk. With a rare red warning meaning a high risk to life, we’re urging the public to check in on older neighbours and relatives to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat. Offering to pick up shopping or medication, or even lending a fan, can make a real difference.
“It may seem obvious, but when temperatures are really high there are some simple precautions that those most at risk can take to stay safe, such as staying out of direct sunlight, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and planning activities like walking, shopping or gardening for earlier or later in the day, outside the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm.
“Many of our homes are not designed for extreme heat, so it’s important to do what we can to keep cool air in and hot air out. It’s best to keep windows and curtains closed during the day, and then open windows at night when temperatures are cooler.”