Staying Healthy During the Summer for Seniors
June 1, 2021
Everyone enjoys some fun in the sun during the summer, including seniors. However, during the summertime, the sun and heat can be potentially dangerous to a senior’s health. While this does not mean that you or your senior loved one should completely avoid going outside during the summer months, you should take precautions during this particular time of the year if you plan on frequenting the outdoors. Here are some ways seniors can stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the summer heat.
Pay Careful Attention to the Weather
In many places, the weather can vary dramatically during the summer. For instance, summers in Florida are known for their fickle weather patterns: one minute it is sunny and hot, and the next it is thundering and lightning. Therefore, if you are heading outdoors for some fresh air this summer, check the weather first.
Dress Appropriately
While a temperature in the 80s may be fine for a stroll outdoors, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Avoid darker-colored clothing as it can attract and absorb heat. Instead, wear lightweight clothing that is light in color to help reflect UV rays. You can also invest in dry-fit clothes with moisture-wicking properties so you don’t get soaked in sweat. While the right clothes can protect you to a degree, if the temperature outside is pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to opt for an indoor activity instead. Also, pay special attention to heat advisory warnings.
Drink Lots of Water
Regardless of your age or what the weather looks like, you should always stay hydrated; however, this advice is especially important for seniors venturing outdoors during the summer. A common recommendation is to drink at least eight glasses of water or other hydrating beverages each day in other to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you have difficulty drinking that many glasses of water in one day, at least cut back on caffeine drinks which can dehydrate the body.
Invest in a Good Sunscreen
Wearing sunblock is another piece of advice that applies to everyone during the summer. If you are not already wearing sunscreen every day, invest in a good one and start wearing it every time you go outside. Most dermatologists recommend wearing a minimum of SPF 30 to shield your skin. By taking this small step and adding it to your morning routine, you can protect yourself from the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Premium Senior Living for Every Season
If you’re looking for a health-focused assisted living community that seniors can enjoy year-round in all kinds of weather, look no further than the senior living community Encore at Avalon Park. At Encore at Avalon Park, our seniors enjoy access to both recreational and social activities to ensure that they stay healthy and also get an ample number of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, our senior residents also enjoy comfortable accommodations, healthy meals, and attentive assistance from our caring staff. All these reasons and more are why our assisted living community is one of the best in all of Central Florida.
For more information on why we are the senior living solution for you or your senior loved one, schedule a virtual tour of our community by calling us at 407-270-7500 today.
