Hot summer weather can be more than uncomfortable for seniors; it can be dangerous. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, making heat exhaustion and heat stroke serious risks. But staying cool doesn’t have to mean cranking up the AC (and your electric bill).
We’ve rounded up seven budget-friendly products that help seniors beat the heat safely, from cooling towels that provide instant relief to portable fans that won’t break the bank. These simple, practical solutions will keep your loved one comfortable all season without straining their wallet.
Simple Products Can Help Seniors Stay Cool in Hot Weather
Simple products can protect seniors from overheating and from heat stroke because older bodies don’t adjust to high temperatures as well as younger bodies.
In addition, chronic medical conditions can change their body’s response to heat.
And, some prescription medications can prevent sweating or reduce the body's ability to regulate temperature.
To help protect your older adult from the heat, we rounded up 7 inexpensive products that keep seniors cool and comfortable in hot weather.
7 Affordable Products that Help Seniors Stay Cool During Summer
1. Cooling Towel
Get instant cooling relief with a simple, lightweight, breathable mesh towel that stays cool for up to 3 hours. Get them soaking wet, wring out excess water, and put it around the neck.
The moisture from the towel draws the sweat away from the skin and cools the body. It can be reused over and over again.
- $7 Ergodyne Chill-Its 6602 Evaporative Cooling Towel
- $15 MISSION Original Cooling Towel
- $20 MISSION Max Plus Cooling Towels
2. $14 Headache Relief Hot Cold Therapy Wrap
This reusable gel ice wrap has an easy-to-adjust velcro closure that puts cooling relief right where you want it. Place the ice at the back of the neck for maximum cooling.
3. $13 Cooling Pillow
Fill this durable, reusable pillow with water to activate the ice crystals inside and start the cooling relief.
4. $10 O2COOL Battery Powered Personal Fan With Lanyard
Wear this battery-powered fan like a necklace and get a strong vertical flow of cool air that keeps you comfortable in the heat. It’s lightweight and uses 2 AA batteries.
5. Portable Neck Fan
Another type of battery-powered fan goes directly around the neck, blowing cool air exactly where it’s needed.
6. $29 IceWraps Oversize Ice Pack with Soft Fabric Cover – 12″ x 21”
This versatile, reusable gel mat is 21 by 12 inches and covers large areas, including upper/lower back, stomach, legs, and knees.
7. $33 Chill-Its 6665 Evaporative Cooling Vest
This reusable vest is filled with a special material that soaks up water and slowly releases it over up to 4 hours to keep the body cool. Soak it in water again to re-activate the cooling effect when it dries.
The vest is made of quilted nylon on the outside and has a water-repellent liner and mesh side panels for breathability. Wear it over a shirt (which will get slightly damp).
Recommended for you:
- 6 Ways to Prevent Heat Stroke in Seniors
- How to Keep Seniors Cool in Hot Weather: 10 Tips
- 5 Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors
All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication. Prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. For more information, see How We Make Money.
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
