VISITING ANGELS FT WORTH, TX 817-877-1616
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Five Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Five Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Summer is filled with outdoor activities. Picnics, swimming, gardening, farmer’s markets, parades, and outdoor hikes are among the most popular summer pursuits across the nation. There are certainly many reasons to head outdoors and soak up the sun during the hottest season of the year.

For seniors, summer can be a challenging season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are more at risk for heat-related health problems. As we age, our bodies don’t regulate temperatures as effectively as when we were younger. Chronic medical conditions, and the medications taken to manage those conditions, can interfere with body temperature regulation and reduce sweat production.

Seniors should remember to keep their health a top priority this summer. By taking a few precautions, they can prevent their risk for heat-related illnesses and stay safe all summer long. Here are five summer safety tips specifically for seniors.

Don’t Skip the SPF

Everyone needs to wear sunscreen when spending time outside, including older adults. Seniors who wear sunscreen protect their skin against sunburn and skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, is an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. Apply enough sunscreen to cover exposed skin, including the top of your ears and the back of your neck. If you’re planning to spend any amount of time outside, you need to wear sunscreen. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Choose Lighter Clothing

The right clothing can prevent sunburn and protect older adults from the risk of heatstroke when outdoors.

Seniors should select loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants made from lightweight, breathable materials. These garments are ideal sun protection for older adults because they don’t need to be reapplied like sunscreen. Moisture-wicking material can help older adults regulate their body temperature and reduce their risk for heatstroke. If you plan to be outdoors for longer periods of time, purchase clothing that offers UV protection. Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses as well.

Avoid Peak Hours

There’s no reason to avoid outdoor recreational activities, as long as you’re smart about the timing. Beat the heat of the day by getting up earlier to enjoy a morning walk or scheduling an early tee time. If you’re not a morning person, make plans to participate in your leisure pursuits in the evening, after temperatures have peaked. Many outdoor recreational facilities provide lighted courts so that you can get in a game of tennis or walk the track as the sun goes down.

Drink More Water

Another way seniors can stay safe this summer is to drink more water. Seniors have a higher risk for dehydration due to a diminishing thirst response. In addition, seniors generally don’t sweat as much as younger adults, complicating their ability to regulate their internal body temperature. Regardless of their activity levels, seniors need to stay on top of their hydration. Drink a glass of water with each meal and snack. Start the day with a glass of water before drinking a cup of coffee or tea. Set reminders to sip on water throughout the day and always take a water bottle with you outdoors.

Monitor the Indoor Temperature

Some seniors prefer a warmer temperature indoors. However, outdoor heat and humidity can seep inside, causing the indoor temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Seniors can stay safe this summer by monitoring their indoor thermostats. Program your thermostat to kick in once the indoor temperature reaches a certain degree. Smart thermostats allow you to monitor the temperature from your smartphone. You can also create a schedule that pushes cooler air during the peak heat hours of the day.

Another popular activity during the summer is taking a vacation. Do you have the support you need when your family is away this summer? Visiting Angels Fort Worth is here to help seniors stay safe this summer. Our home care services are an optimal fit for a variety of situations. For example, you may simply need a helping hand with everyday activities as well as compassionate companionship to ward off loneliness. Or, you may require 24/7 monitoring and professional support with personal care routines and mobility concerns. Our professional care providers will deliver the precise level of care you need throughout the summer and beyond. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 817-877-1616.

Serving Fort Worth and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FT WORTH, TX
930 W 1st St # 203
Ft Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-877-1616
Fax: 817-334-7994

Serving Fort Worth and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FT WORTH, TX
930 W 1st St # 203
Ft Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-877-1616
Fax: 817-334-7994