It’s common for retired individuals to spend most of their time at home. A safe place at home should be a mainstay of comfort during inclement weather. Health issues arise when room temperatures are too hot or cold for their bodies to function normally.
Here’s what you need to know about the ideal room temperature for comfortable living in your Myrtle Beach, SC independent living community.
The Ideal Room Temperature for Residents
An older adult’s primary concern with room temperature is avoiding hypothermia since they have difficulty maintaining body heat.
A room’s ideal temperature depends on the individual’s preference. However, in general, the ideal room temperature for those in their golden years should be around 68 to 70 degrees. Room temperatures should never drop below 65 degrees, especially for individuals who get cold easily.
Ways to Maintain the Ideal Room Temperature
While you may feel tempted to turn the heat down to save money on your electric bills, it is generally recommended that you set your heat to 68 to 70 degrees.
Older residents lose body heat faster than younger people when temperatures are extreme. It is dangerous to be in a freezing house, as it can lead to hypothermia, and even a chill can be brutal if not treated in time.
To keep heat out during the summer and keep heat in during the winter, windows should be well insulated.
Here are the steps to maintain the ideal room temperature.
- Ensure that all window seals are tight and that no air can escape. It prevents you from losing heat through the windows, which could result in hypothermia.
- Insulate the room with double-paned windows or heat-controlling window film.As a result, your house will not become too cold, and you’ll prevent your body temperature from dropping below 95 degrees, which can lead to health problems.
- To help control the temperature and lighting in the living room, hang curtains or shades on large windows. Your windows should always be locked for safety reasons.
- Roll a towel in front of doors to prevent drafts and close off unoccupied rooms to save on heating bills.
- It would help if you avoided space heaters, which can cause smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Whether you live alone or with others, carbon monoxide is a deadly gas people cannot see or smell, so it is imperative to be aware of it.
Seek Professional Help
In severe weather, those in their golden years are at risk if their homes’ temperatures fall out of a safe range. Ensure that you are well-equipped with all the necessary supplies to stay as comfortable as possible.
If you feel that you need additional help, moving to an independent living community might be the right choice. Our apartments are fitted with individual climate controls so you do not have to manually set the temperatures in your room.
You can look forward to enjoying your favorite activities and hobbies as we do the work for you. Give our friendly team members a call to find out more about how we could help!
