Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy yourself. However, the high temperatures can make it dangerous for seniors who don’t have a plan to beat the heat. Let these summer safety tips for seniors keep you healthy so you can keep enjoying the sunshine!
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Barbeques, beach days, and beautiful walks in the sunshine are just a few of the things that make summer worth the wait. Summer is a favorite time of year for many, but sometimes the things that make summer fun can be dangerous if seniors aren’t careful. If you follow these summer safety tips for seniors, you’ll be on track to keep enjoying yourself all season long.
Know Your Prescriptions’ Side Effects
Did you know some prescription drugs can make you more sensitive to the sun or more prone to overheating? If you’re unsure how your medications interact with summer weather, ask your doctor for more information.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential to regulating your body temperature and remaining comfortable in the summer heat. Carry a water bottle with you, and drink from it regularly. For additional hydration, you can also eat foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Extreme Heat
You don’t have to stay inside all summer long, but staying in an air-conditioned space on days when excessive heat is predicted is a good idea. If you can’t access air conditioning, staying in the shade and staying hydrated until the heat passes is a good idea. If you must go out in the sun, limit outdoor activities to the early morning or evening to avoid peak temperatures.
Dress for the Weather
In hot and humid weather, dressing for comfort is key. Be sure to check the weather report regularly and dress accordingly. Loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers will provide a cooling effect, as will light-colored clothes that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it.
Know the Signs of Heat Sickness
Do you know how to spot someone who is suffering from heat sickness? If someone is dizzy, nauseous, flushed, and has a high temperature or rapid pulse, they may need immediate medical attention. If you feel the symptoms of heat stroke coming on, move to a cool area right away and consult a medical professional if your symptoms don’t quickly resolve.
Get Your Sun Protection Ready
Sun protection is an essential part of summer safety, so it’s unfortunate that many seniors don’t think about sun safety when preparing for the day. Be smart and avoid sun damage by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Sunscreen should be applied liberally on all skin exposed to the sun and reapplied every few hours. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional sun protection.
Be Ready to Provide Your Emergency Contacts
No matter how careful you are, accidents and mistakes can happen. That’s why having an easily accessible list of emergency contacts is a smart idea. Include numbers for friends and family, as well as medical professionals who should be contacted in an emergency. You can keep a list in your wallet or see if your smartphone offers an emergency contact setting or app.
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These summer safety tips for seniors will help you make the most of this beloved season. We hope you enjoy yourself!
Are you interested in retiring in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.