Help Seniors Stay Cool in the Summertime
It’s summertime! The nice weather, families getting together, and all the activities that happen only in the summer, it’s a season that most people cherish. However, keeping our seniors safe and cool in the summer is a top priority, the higher heat and/or humidity can wipe the energy out of anyone and it’s especially crucial for seniors that may have health issues that can make them more susceptible to overheating. It’s important to find activities that are engaging, enjoyable, and safe for our loved ones.
We all want to get outside in the summertime! Let us help you find some good ideas for your mom, dad, grandpa, grandma or senior that you care for. Here are a few ideas that can get your seniors outside and having fun this summer.
Start the day early by getting outside to watch the sunrise or go for a nice and easy walk.
Find a shady spot to birdwatch or read a nice book, don’t forget that audiobooks might be a good way to relax outside.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible, and when you are out and about make sure that you are wearing protective gear for the weather.
Try out water aerobics - a great way to stay cool and get some exercise. Water-based activities are great for low-impact on joints.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Try adding some fresh or frozen fruit to your water to make it a nice treat.
Throughout aging, our bodies can lose the ability to manage body temperature and address the changes with the summer season. The senior population is at risk for a few serious heat-related issues, there are a couple of medical conditions and medications that can have an effect on the body’s ability to react in the correct way or in a timely manner. Keep a few of these things in mind as you start the summer with your loved ones.
Heat exhaustion is a risk for seniors, and it can lead to a heat stroke. A heatstroke is a medical emergency in which the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, resulting in high core temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and difficulty breathing. When staying outside, ensure your parents/grandparents are staying cool in the shade and remaining hydrated.
Older adults often become less aware of thirst and bodies naturally lose the ability to conserve fluids, staying hydrated, especially in the summer months is a necessity. Setting an alarm or a reminder to drink water can help your grandma or grandpa establish a routine.
It’s important to spend time inside with air conditioning, there are alternatives to consider keeping your senior engaged, while staying cool. Take your loved one on a trip to the library to read a book, visit the mall to enjoy a nice stroll, head over to the theater to watch a movie during the heat of the day.
During the summer months, it’s nice to remain in your own home, able to do the things that you enjoy most! For seniors in the home, it’s important to have someone trusted to come and check on them, especially during the heat.
Having a caregiver will give your family some peace of mind that your mom, dad, or grandparents are being taken care of, while remaining at home. Our list of summer activities is perfect for one of our Visiting Angels caregivers to socialize with your parents or grandparents and keep them safer and happier at home. Let us help with caring for your seniors. Call us today at 402-917-8225.