In our daily lives, there are habits we do almost automatically: waking up, eating breakfast, and yes… showering! But what many older adults don’t know is that choosing the wrong bath time could be a silent risk that affects their cardiovascular health, their blood pressure, and even endangers their lives!

Recent news shook thousands of families: a 75-year-old man died after showering at a critical time. This incident raised an alarm that goes beyond a simple domestic accident. It’s a call to awareness about how something as everyday as bathing can become dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken, especially in older age.

And most importantly: this risk can be easily avoided if you act with information and responsibility. Today we’ll tell you everything, with details and recommendations based on medical logic, so that you and your loved ones are protected. 

It’s not a myth: showering very early in the morning, right after waking up, can be dangerous for older adults. Why? Because when we wake up, the body is still adjusting its circulatory and nervous systems. And if we’re suddenly exposed to hot or cold water, it can cause cardiovascular imbalance, leading to dizziness, fainting, or even fatal accidents ‍

Another delicate time is right after eating. During digestion, a large portion of blood flow is concentrated in the digestive system. If you take a shower at that time, the body is forced to redistribute blood to regulate body temperature, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

These episodes are more common than you think and can be prevented with simple habit changes.

What can happen if you shower at the wrong time?

The effects can range from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common:

Sudden hypotension

Loss of balance and falls

Fainting and blows to sensitive areas such as the head or back

Muscle spasms due to sudden temperature changes

Cardiac arrest in people with pre-existing conditions ‍

And if you add to this a bath without safety measures (no non-slip bars, no support seat, no companion), the risk multiplies.

What happens to the body when showering at critical moments?
1. Blood pressure changes

Upon waking, blood pressure tends to be lower. If you jump into the bath immediately, especially with hot water, the body responds by dilating blood vessels, which further reduces blood pressure, causing dizziness and the risk of fainting.

2. Blood Redistribution in Digestion

When we eat, blood flows to the digestive system. If you shower after eating, your body stresses trying to maintain temperature and digestion at the same time, which can cause severe discomfort.

3. Heat Stress

The contrast between body temperature and the water temperature can cause heat shock, especially in people with heart conditions. The body doesn’t react the same way to extreme changes with age.

Yes, there is an ideal time! And it will depend on your body’s rhythm:

 Mid-morning (between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.)

At this time, your body is already activated, your blood pressure is more stable, and it doesn’t interfere with digestion.

 Mid-afternoon (between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.)

Ideal if done after walking or doing some light activity. Circulation is active and the body responds better to bathing.

Always avoid showering right after waking up or just after eating. Wait at least 40 minutes after each shower.

Tips for safe showering at any age
Use warm water: Not too hot or too cold. It helps avoid thermal shock.

Install grab bars: Falls in the shower are one of the leading causes of hospitalization in older adults.

Place non-slip mats: They prevent dangerous slips.

Use a bath seat if needed: Especially if you feel unsteady or fatigued.

Don’t shower alone if you’re on medication: Some medications lower blood pressure and increase the risk of fainting.

Keep the bathroom well-ventilated: Avoid steam buildup, which can affect breathing.

Let someone know if you’re going to bathe: Especially if you live alone.

Hydrate well before and after: Dehydration can also contribute to dizziness.

‍ What if you already have a health history?
If you suffer from:

Hypotension

Diabetes

Heart problems

Frequent fainting

Morning sickness

Then it’s essential that you consult your primary care physician to establish a safe bathing schedule tailored to your needs. A 65-year-old adult in good health is not the same as a 75-year-old with multiple conditions.