{"id":15459,"date":"2026-07-19T14:01:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T12:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/servicios-sisma.com\/heatstroke-in-over-75s-2026-summer-protocol-in-costa-del-sol-and-benidorm\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T14:14:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T12:14:30","slug":"heatstroke-in-over-75s-2026-summer-protocol-in-costa-del-sol-and-benidorm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/servicios-sisma.com\/en\/heatstroke-in-over-75s-2026-summer-protocol-in-costa-del-sol-and-benidorm\/","title":{"rendered":"Heatstroke in Over 75s: 2026 Summer Protocol in Costa del Sol and Benidorm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This summer’s data leaves no room for doubt. In June 2026, the MoMo system of the Carlos III Health Institute attributed 1,029 deaths to excessive heat in Spain<\/strong>, more than double that of June 2025, and the highest-risk group was people over 75 (Euro Weekly News<\/a>, July 2026). If you are over 75 and live in Costa del Sol or Benidorm \u2014or care for someone who is\u2014, this guide is for you. <\/p>\n\n

This is not a generic list of tips. It is the protocol that our healthcare teams recommend every summer to older residents of Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benidorm, Torrox, and Almu\u00f1\u00e9car, organized so you can apply it today. <\/p>\n\n

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In 30 seconds:<\/strong> In June 2026, 1,029 people died from heat in Spain (MoMo), more than double the previous year; it was the second hottest June since 1961, with +3.2 \u00b0C above normal (AEMET). The highest-risk profile: over 75, living alone, with chronic illness and daily medication. Prevention is decided before the heatwave, not during. <\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

\"Elderly<\/figure>\n\n

Why are over 75s the highest-risk group?<\/h2>\n\n

According to the risk profile released with MoMo data from June 2026, the typical victim of extreme heat is a person over 75, living alone, with chronic illnesses, and taking daily medication<\/strong> (Euro Weekly News<\/a>, 2026). This is no coincidence: with age, the body loses its ability to sweat, the sensation of thirst diminishes, and the heart tolerates the effort of thermoregulation less well. <\/p>\n\n

Added to this is a very local factor: a good part of the foreign residents on the coast live far from their families. Who notices in time if a 78-year-old neighbor hasn’t left an apartment at 34 degrees for two days? This logistical solitude, not the temperature itself, is what turns a heatwave into an emergency. <\/p>\n\n

Certain common medications for those over 70 \u2014diuretics, antihypertensives, some antidepressants and sedatives\u2014 also alter hydration or the body’s response to heat. Do not stop them on your own: they must be reviewed with a doctor before the peak of summer<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Summer 2026 Data: What We Already Know<\/h2>\n\n

June 2026 was the second hottest June in Spain since 1961<\/strong>, with an anomaly of +3.2 \u00b0C<\/strong> above average and peaks above 40 \u00b0C during the episode from June 21 to 25 (AEMET, June 2026 climate summary<\/a>). And July and August are, historically, the toughest months. <\/p>\n\n

Summer 2026 Data Point<\/th>Figure<\/th>Source<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Heat-attributable deaths in June<\/td>1,029 (more than double June 2025)<\/td>MoMo \/ ISCIII, via Euro Weekly News<\/td><\/tr>
Historical ranking of the month<\/td>2nd hottest June since 1961<\/td>AEMET<\/td><\/tr>
Monthly thermal anomaly<\/td>+3.2 \u00b0C above average<\/td>AEMET<\/td><\/tr>
Most severe episode<\/td>June 21-25, peaks > 40 \u00b0C<\/td>AEMET<\/td><\/tr>
Highest risk group<\/td>Over 75s living alone<\/td>MoMo \/ ISCIII<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

The practical takeaway is uncomfortable but useful: the worst of summer has probably not passed<\/strong>. If June already broke records, the protocol for July and August cannot be “drink a little more water.” It needs to be a plan. <\/p>\n\n

Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke: How to Distinguish Them?<\/h2>\n\n
\"Elderly<\/figure>\n\n

The difference matters because one is treated at home and the other is a life-threatening emergency. In our 24-hour emergency services on the coast, we see it every summer: most scares start as heat exhaustion that no one stopped in time. <\/p>\n\n

<\/th>Heat exhaustion<\/th>Heatstroke (EMERGENCY)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Skin<\/td>Pale, cold, and sweaty<\/td>Hot, red, and often dry<\/td><\/tr>
Body temperature<\/td>Normal or slightly elevated<\/td>Very high (can exceed 40 \u00b0C)<\/td><\/tr>
Mental state<\/td>Dizziness, weakness, nausea<\/td>Confusion, incoherent speech, fainting<\/td><\/tr>
What to do<\/td>Shade, sips of water, rest, and monitoring<\/td>Call 112 immediately and cool the person down<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

The sign that should never be ignored is a change in behavior<\/strong>: confusion, strange responses, extreme drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. For any of these, call emergencies. Do not wait “to see if it gets better.” <\/p>\n\n

The 7-Step Summer Protocol<\/h2>\n\n

This is what we recommend organizing before<\/strong> the next heatwave, not when the thermometer already reads 40:<\/p>\n\n