13 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

With summer in full swing, now is the time for aging seniors to arm themselves with a list of fun activities they can do in the sun, while still prioritizing their health. As the heat rises, seniors and their companions can remain safe and comfortable by following these safety tips.

1. Boost Hydration

Older people are more prone to dehydration than younger people. Their bodies typically have less water content than a younger person, so there's a lower chance of feeling thirsty and recognizing that their body needs fluids. Solution: drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty! Eating fresh fruits and vegetables are also excellent in keeping healthy and hydrated. Try to reduce the intake of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as they tend to cause dehydration.

2. Pay Attention to Your Clothing

Proper clothing is an essential aspect of summer safety for seniors. Make sure you cover the face, neck, and head with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Natural fabrics such as cotton absorb heat and keep you cool, while synthetics can make you hotter in the long run.

3. Avoid Sunburns

Spending time out in the sun is one of the best things seniors can do to get Vitamin D. It provides health benefits that are both physical and mental. However, too much sun exposure can be a bad thing. Sunburns can hurt your body no matter your age, but when you grow older, the skin naturally becomes thinner. This makes it easier for UV rays to enter the skin and lead to burns. When outside on sunny days, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Be sure to get a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply it every few hours or after water activities.

4. Seek The Shade

Too much of anything is harmful—even sunshine! In order to protect yourself from too much sun exposure, it is best to avoid exposure for longer periods. In case of an unavoidable exposure, seek shade. For instance, going under a tree with thick foliage would be preferable to an empty, sunny sky.

5. Stay Cool

It is essential to avoid being outside for too long on scorching days. It can result in a heat stroke which can be pretty dangerous. It is best to stay indoors until the temperature has cooled down again.

6. Enjoy Something Cold

To keep relaxed and comfortable over the summer, try something refreshing like a popsicle or frozen yogurt. You can also treat yourself to an ice cream or two!

7. Take a Dip

Take a dip in the ocean or swimming pool to cool off. This will lower your body temperature significantly and help you pack in a great workout into your regime.

8. Assess Your Medications

Taking certain medications can cause side effects like increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. These are to be taken very seriously.

9. Schedule a Check-up

It's important to keep in touch with a family doctor throughout the year. Regular visits can help you maintain optimal health, avoid illness, and monitor chronic issues. So, whether you are on vacation with your family or enjoying life at home, never hesitate to schedule a check-up.

10. Limit Outdoor Activities

As a senior you might enjoy gardening, walking, and golfing. However, these pastimes also involve spending a lot of time in the sun, making it very important to make sure that special attention is paid to your health while participating in these hobbies, as staying too long under the sun will increase the risk of dehydration through sweating. So, you should drink some extra water when engaging in any such physical activities outdoors.

11. Stay Inside During Peak Hours

Avoid the sun during peak hours. If you must be outside during a summer heatwave, you should limit your time outdoors to early in the morning or later in the evening, after sunset. The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

12. Don’t Be Alone

The most crucial safety tip to keep in mind during the summer is that you should never be alone in the heat. Because seniors are more likely to experience emergencies such as fainting or heat stroke, it's always best to have somebody around.

13. Stay Aware of Heat-Related Illness Symptoms

With age, the efficiency of our sweat glands also is naturally reduced. As we get older, our bodies produce less sweat to cool us down. As a result, older adults are more likely to succumb to the heat. Read on to understand the different heat-related illnesses and their symptoms so you can watch out for them during the summer.

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope happens within a few hours of exposure to the sun. When the body heats up, the blood vessels dilate in an attempt to cool down, thus limiting the amount of blood that reaches the brain. This causes the affected person to faint.

Heat Exhaustion

When a person is both dehydrated and overheated, heat exhaustion occurs. Excessive sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, or a weak and quick pulse are all symptoms of heat exhaustion. If left untreated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a dangerous rise in body temperature. Symptoms of heat stroke include red, hot, and dry skin, rise in a person's heart rate, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Disorientation, hallucinations, and seizures are also possible symptoms. If you see any of these indicators, get help at once as heat stroke is a life-threatening condition.

By following these precautions, older folks are sure to have a safer summer. If you are a senior or have a senior loved one living in New Jersey who needs extra living assistance at their place of residence, Visiting Angels can help. Contact us today!