Summer Fun and Safety too! 

Finally summer weather is approaching and you can get outside and enjoy the sun and have some fun! However, summer does not arrive without a few items we need to consider too. There are many things that seniors are susceptible to in the summer weather. Don’t be afraid to enjoy the wonderful weather and fun, and check out the tips below to keep you healthy too! 

Quick Tips on How to Enjoy Summer Safely 

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key for aging adults and especially in the summertime. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water or fruit juice to stay hydrated and if you are active you should consume even more. Most importantly avoid caffeine or alcohol because it will dehydrate you quickly. Hydration is so important and even more so in the heat of summer. 

Know when to get out of the Heat

When the weatherman says it is going to be very hot– upper 80 and 90s plus humidity, you need to have the common sense to stay out of the heat. Get in air conditioning and relax with friends and play a game or catch up on your latest show or movie you have been dying to see. If you want to get out and about, go somewhere that is cool and you can enjoy the sunshine and not get overheated. Cotton or linen are great choices for fabric. 

Dress Appropriately for the Weather

I am sure your whole life you have heard, “Dress for the weather.” When it is hot and you need to be out, wear light clothes that are reflective of the sun and not dark colors that absorb the heat. Make sure to pay attention to the forecast as the days are long and warmer so that you are dressed to not overheat. Cotton is a great choice for fabric. 

Protect Your Skin and Eyes

Sunglasses are the best to protect your vision and save you from UV rays of the sun. When you are out in the summer sun and enjoying yourself, remember to be smart. You should wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Protect your skin with UVA and UVB rays with a 30 SPF to keep your skin, your biggest organ, healthy and not damaged from the sun. Summer is so exciting with so many activities you can partake in but you just have to be smart about it. Protecting yourself from the harmful rays is the best choice. Lather up and throw on a hat and sunglasses and enjoy the summer weather. 

Know the Side Effects with Medication

Be careful as many medications can have sun sensitivity and can cause you problems, if you are in the sun too long. Talk to your doctor and get advice on what medications you need to be weary of while in the sunshine. 

Know the Signs of Heat Related Dangers

There are many signs of heat related issues such as leg cramping or dizziness and much more. To take advantage of the summer fun and sun, you need to be aware of heat related dangers to stay safe and healthy. 
Enjoying the summer is so refreshing and helps with mental, spiritual, and physical health. It is important to know signs of heat related health issues and also how to prepare yourself to enjoy the summer activities without making a trip to the hospital. If you have more questions or concerns about your aging parents, contact Ann Jamison at Senior Living Options. Ann is experienced with aging adults and how to find the best living arrangements or resources for your parents at each chapter of the aging process. She has been a caregiver and has expert advice to help you have a positive experience while helping mom or dad move to the next chapter of living a full and purposeful life.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.