SLIPPERY ROCK — Bob West of Harrisville remembers working out on the farm on sunny, humid days where the temperature was at least 90 degrees.

At the time, West was 16 years old. Now, at least 60 years later, West has a different approach to such days.

"I get out of the sun now," he said.

West and about 20 other people in his age group gathered at the Slippery Rock Senior Center last week to hear tips on staying cool and safe in the summer heat.

Reminding West and his peers they aren't 16 anymore is at least half the battle, according to Cynthia Lamont of Grove Manor Nursing Home and Personal Care in Grove City.

Lamont said the group is at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke because elderly people don't adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in temperature. This is caused not only by age but by chronic medical conditions that may upset the normal body response to heat or by prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.

Elderly people are also more active than they've ever been.

"I know you're doers because I see you out doing," Lamont said.

These activities don't need to come to a complete halt in the warmer summer months, but the elderly need to take some care to plan activities wisely, she added.

Most of her tips revolved around common sense, like not performing strenuous activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

"Just remember, the house can be cleaned later," she said. "The lawn can be mowed later."

Instead, seniors can use the time in the middle of the day to catch up on paperwork, reading, watching television, doing light cleaning or other activities that don't take much energy.

Drinking water is an important tip that Lamont stressed throughout her talk.

"If you're not a water drinker, take frequent sips — or sometimes it's easier to drink with a straw," she said.

Eating smaller meals instead of large, heavy ones also helps in hot weather, she said, explaining large meals take all the blood flow for digestion.

In addition, those who have air conditioning should use it, she said.

After giving her own tips, Lamont asked for tips from the crowd.

Jean Getz of Slippery Rock does her crafts during the hot parts of the day. Getz said she's always vigilant about the heat because her husband has emphysema and she has to watch he doesn't become out of breath. Her husband is still very active, though, just like herself.

"We still feel young," said Getz. "It takes longer to do things, but we still do them."

Bill Dell said he takes lawn mowing slowly when the weather is hot.

"I'll do three swipes then stop," he said.

Edith Lightner of Slippery Rock said she applies cold water to her wrists when she feels warm. That works well because it's one of the areas where blood circulates close to the skin, Lamont said.

A cool sheet draped over a chair works well for Peggy Geary of Grove City. Sometimes chairs and couches have a rough material that isn't comfortable in the summer heat, she added.

Butler Memorial Hospital emergency room doctor Wafa Rizk also stressed drinking water as opposed to drinks like Gatorade.

People with asthma, heart disease or emphysema need to be particularly careful in the hot and humid weather, he added. Those people should check with their doctor about further advice on the topic, said Rizk. Those on diuretics, or water pills, should do the same, he added.

Finally, if there is a prolonged heat wave, elderly people should simply find a cool place to go if they don't have air conditioning, said Rizk. At the same time, agencies that offer senior services should offer more activities during that time.

The Butler Area Agency on Aging is also available to assist older adults during dangerously hot weather. The agency runs the events at the Slippery Rock Senior Center and other senior centers in the area.

The agency offers a broad range of services, including helping to relocate older adults to cooler locations such as a local church or senior center.

For more information on the agency, call 724-282-3008.