Practical guide
Hot weather: ageing well even when the thermometer climbs
Summer brings its light, its long evenings and the pleasure of returning to the garden or the terrace. But some weeks it also brings high temperatures that our bodies find harder to cope with as we age. At the Résidence du Parc des Crêts, we believe that ageing well also means anticipating: recognising the body’s signals, adapting your home and knowing the places where you can cool down. Here are our guidelines for enjoying the summer season with complete peace of mind.
Recognising the warning signs of heatstroke
With age, the sensation of thirst diminishes and the body regulates its temperature less effectively. It is therefore essential to stay alert to certain signals, both in yourself and in those close to you:
- unusual tiredness, headaches or dizziness;
- confusion, disorientation or incoherent speech;
- hot, red, dry skin, without sweating;
- muscle cramps, nausea;
- a high body temperature (above 40°C) or a rapid pulse;
- unusual drowsiness, or even loss of consciousness.
These signs should never be taken lightly. If in doubt, the right response is to settle the person in a cool place, hydrate them gently, moisten their skin, then contact a doctor without delay. In the event of loss of consciousness or severe confusion, call the emergency services immediately (144 in Switzerland).
Preparing your home for a peaceful summer
A few simple habits, applied every day, make a real difference to the comfort and safety of your home:
- close shutters, blinds and curtains on the sunny side from the morning onwards, to limit the heat coming in;
- air your home early in the morning and late in the evening, when the outside air is cooler, and keep the windows closed during the hottest hours;
- avoid appliances that give off heat (oven, tumble dryer) during the hottest hours of the day;
- favour light, loose, pale clothing in natural fabrics;
- drink regularly, even without feeling thirsty — water, chilled herbal teas, light broths — and limit coffee and alcohol;
- cool your body several times a day: a mister, a damp cloth on the neck, a lukewarm shower;
- have a fan available, without pointing it directly at an elderly or frail person, and avoid using it when the room temperature exceeds 32-35°C, when it can become counter-productive;
- adapt your meals: favour fruit, vegetables and cold dishes that are rich in water.
Where to find cool places near you
Leaving your home for a while can also be an excellent way to cool down, provided you choose the right times — early in the morning or at the end of the day.
In Troinex, the commune invites vulnerable people to register with the Mairie so they can benefit from contact and follow-up during periods of intense heat.
In the Geneva region, several resources are available:
- the City of Geneva’s map of cool places lists drinking fountains, misters, shaded parks, forests and air-conditioned venues — including the Bois-de-la-Bâtie, a true urban forest, and the city’s many parks;
- the GE-Soif app instantly locates the nearest drinking fountain;
- as part of its heatwave plan for people aged 65 and over, the City of Geneva offers, during alert periods, free morning access to the Vernets and Varembé swimming pools, as well as free afternoon cinema screenings (Le City, Les Scala, Le Nord-Sud), simply on presentation of an identity document;
- the Museum of Ethnography of Geneva (MEG) offers a cool space and air-conditioned rooms, freely accessible, from 15 June to 15 September;
- the Eaux-Vives beach, on the shores of Lake Geneva, offers a vast shaded green space and free access to the water.
Do not hesitate to enquire directly with your own commune to find out which schemes apply to you: access arrangements vary from one commune to another.
Taking care of yourself during a heatwave also means staying connected. At the Résidence du Parc des Crêts, our team keeps a caring eye on each of our residents during periods of intense heat — because ageing well means, above all, being well supported.