Older people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor air quality due to their weakened immune systems, respiratory conditions, and increased sensitivity to changes in the air they breathe.
One of the biggest challenges in protecting our older loved ones from poor air quality is that the risk can be potentially everywhere. Pollution, allergens, and increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in Canada have diminished outdoor air quality, while dust, mould, and chemicals affect the air indoors.
As family caregivers, it’s critical to take proactive preventive steps to protect the health and well-being of our loved ones and reduce the risk of a respiratory health crisis.
Why poor air quality is a serious risk for older people
Although anyone can feel the ill effects of poor air quality, older people are uniquely vulnerable to its dangers. That’s because our immune systems naturally weaken as we age, making it harder to fend off respiratory issues, asthma flare-ups, heart strain, and cognitive confusion caused by polluted or contaminated air.
Especially susceptible are high-risk older individuals living with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease, which are easily aggravated by airborne irritants. However, even people without pre-existing conditions are at risk when air quality deteriorates.
Local indoor and outdoor air quality can be poor enough without also having to contend with the threat of wildfire smoke wafting over from hundreds of kilometres away. Unfortunately, in recent years, that’s been our reality.
How wildfires are impacting air quality in Canada
Wildfire season in Canada lasts from May to October, and their increasing frequency has made the threat to air quality both immediate and widespread. Recently, urban and rural communities in Ontario were covered in a hazardous haze from wildfires hundreds of kilometers away due to smoke drift.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. For older people, inhaling these particles can trigger respiratory distress, worsen cardiovascular issues, and increase the risk of hospitalization.
It’s crucial to stay informed about the impact that distant fires can have on our city. Be sure to check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to learn about the day’s risks and make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ventilation, and routines. Learn more about how wildfire smoke can affect health from the Lung Health Foundation.
Signs that poor air quality is affecting your loved one
Although poor outdoor air quality can be hazardous, unhealthy indoor air is also a common threat to older people, especially to those who live alone or rarely leave their homes. Dust, mould, household cleaning products, secondhand smoke, gases and particles from gas stoves, radon entering the house, and even air fresheners can impact indoor air quality and the well-being of your older loved one.
It’s not always obvious when poor air quality is affecting an older person. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can develop gradually or be mistaken for other ailments. However, if these symptoms have increased more than expected, or if they’re accompanied by fatigue, headaches, and confusion, poor air quality might be the culprit.
As a family caregiver, it’s critical that you watch for the signs of poor air quality in your older loved one. Open communication and regular check-ins also help ensure that warning signs are addressed promptly and to prevent them from escalating into more serious health problems.
Practical ways to protect older people from poor air quality
There are several ways you can help prevent poor air quality from having an impact on your loved one’s health and quality of life. In most cases, it only takes a few lifestyle adjustments to still enjoy the summertime and the things your family enjoys doing the most.
When the daily AQHI reading is high, it’s usually best to close windows and limit time spent outdoors. If you do venture outside, avoid strenuous activities and focus instead on a short sit in the sunshine.
Poor air quality, especially when wildfire smoke is involved, can dry out the respiratory tract, so be sure to keep cold water nearby to sip on. Head indoors again if their throat begins to feel irritated, there’s a shortness of breath, or if any other symptoms associated with bad air become present.
To protect the quality of indoor air, invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters to significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Regular housekeeping is essential for maintaining indoor air quality, especially in homes with carpets, curtains, fans, or pets, which can contribute to the rapid accumulation of dust and allergens.
Good nutrition is also essential in defending the body against polluted air. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and pecans, can help the body combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
It may be beneficial to seek professional assistance to care for your older loved one so they are always protected from the effects of poor air quality. When you’re ready for help, CareHop is just a phone call away.
How CareHop supports air quality protection
Your loved one’s health, safety, and happiness are paramount to the CareHop team, even when it comes to the air they breathe. That’s why we offer senior-friendly home cleaning services that target dust and allergens, thereby reducing the risk of indoor pollution.
Our caregivers are trained to adjust daily routines in response to air quality alerts, keeping your loved one happy and engaged, whether indoors or outdoors.
We also go the extra mile by offering free nurse check-ins to monitor respiratory symptoms and overall health, enabling early intervention on potential health issues and taking action to protect the older person’s overall well-being.
With CareHop in your corner, you’re always assured of professional, empathetic care that helps your older loved one continue to live at home with confidence. Give us a call today to learn more – you’ll find the love and support we offer to be a breath of fresh air!
Quality In-Home Elder Care Services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Brampton
CareHop specializes in providing safe, professional eldercare services, including on-demand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and assistance with physical activities whenever you need it.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation discussion to discover how we can help you with safe, cost-effective eldercare solutions.
