Heat waves and dehydration in the elderly.

The authors reflect on the heat wave in Europe in 2003 which caused an excess mortality in all age groups, with older people as the most affected. They report that frail older people who lived alone, had pre-existing chronic diseases, and were taking drugs, had the highest mortality rate during the heat wave. During heat waves, some of the reported causes of death included dehydration, heat related morbidity, hyperthermia, and heat syncope. The authors also present signs of dehydration and measures needed to reduce heat-related mortality.