It’s summertime, and what better way to spend your days than at the beach. But seniors need to be aware of dangers that could limit their fun in the sun or even cause potential harm. We’ve put together these health tips for seniors this summer.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is an essential part of staying healthy during the summer months. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, severely affecting your health and wellness.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
The sun’s rays are more robust in the summer than any other time of year, so seniors need to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors. Protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen or clothing is an essential step for protecting yourself against sunburn and other harmful effects of too much sun exposure.
Reduce Strenuous Activities
Exercising outside during the hottest part of the day can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke if you aren’t adequately prepared for it. If you plan on exercising outdoors, make sure you start early in the day before it gets too hot outside, and drink plenty of water while exercising so that you don’t get dehydrated while working out.
Use An Air Conditioner When Possible
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider getting an air conditioner. When possible, keep your air conditioning set at 78 degrees or lower. If you don’t have air conditioning, try to stay inside during the hottest part of the day.
Dress Appropriately For The Weather
Seniors should wear loose-fitting clothing when going outside or exercising. Lightweight fabrics and loose-fitting clothes help protect against harmful UV rays from the sun and allow for better circulation of cool air if you’re working out or sweating. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect your face from sunburns and other skin irritations caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes from UV light damage.
Stay In During The Hottest Part Of The Day
Seniors should avoid going outside between 11 am and 3 pm during the summer months because this is when temperatures are highest, and most people will be out enjoying their vacations away from work or school obligations. If you must go out during these hours, take extra precautions, such as wearing additional clothing layers or hats and gloves.
Know The Warning Signs For Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency caused by exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, weakness, nausea or vomiting, headache, muscle cramps, and loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms during hot weather, seek medical attention immediately. Seniors must know the warning signs of heatstroke to avoid it altogether.
Know The Side Effects Of Your Medication
Taking medications can cause side effects that may affect your ability to stay cool outside in the heat. Some medicines may make you more sensitive to sunlight, so seniors must know what their medications do before going out into the summer sun.
Protect Your Eyes
Sunlight can cause cataracts to form in your eyes and other eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outside in the sun. Also, wear protective glasses when using tools like lawn mowers or chainsaws since these items may send flying debris toward your face at high speeds.
Be Safe This Summer
If you’re 65 or older, especially if you have a chronic condition, taking care of your health this summer is essential. And while a great deal of emphasis is put on staying hydrated and safeguarding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, there are plenty of other precautions to take.
Whether you’re going out to walk your dog in the afternoon or enjoying an afternoon drive with the windows down, make sure you stay cool and safe this summer. Use this information to make this summer one that won’t be regrettable.
- The Memory Quilt - October 9, 2024
- Your Mother Wants To Come Home From An ALF, But Your Nephew Has POA. What To Do? - June 8, 2024
- Will Medicaid Take My House To Pay Back Benefits? –Medicaid Myths vs. Facts About Your Primary Residence - February 2, 2024
