Summer is a wonderful time to spend outdoors, enjoying the weather and sunshine. There are so many great seasonal activities to participate in and it’s always good to take in some fresh air. However, with the summer comes a hot sun, higher temperatures and risks of dehydration and heat stroke. Follow our list of safety tips to make sure you safely enjoy your summer and stay healthy.
7 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Here are seven simple ways you can enjoy the warm summer sun while staying healthy and safe:
Stay Hydrated. Staying hydrated is incredibly important to maintaining a level of overall wellbeing and is especially important to seniors attempting to stay healthy in the summer heat. It’s easy to become less aware of your thirst and to have a hard time adjusting to temperature changes, so make sure to drink water often, especially when you’re spending an extended amount of time in the sun.
Check in with your Doctor. If you take any medications at all, it’s important to check in with your doctor and make sure your medications won’t be affected by the higher summer temperatures. Sometimes, medications can become less effective if they are stored at higher temperatures. It’s important to take care when storing your medications to ensure they are safe and effective.
Stay Connected. It’s always a good idea to stay in consistent communication with friends and family when you’re out in high temperatures. You should let your friends and family know if you plan to spend a long time outdoors, so they can periodically check on you and make sure you don’t get overheated.
Dress Appropriately. Just like in any other season, you should dress for the weather. A good tip for warmer weather is to dress in natural fabrics that are light-colored and loose-fitting to feel cooler and more comfortable as you enjoy the summer heat.
Protect Your Eyesight. Too much sun exposure can irritate your eyes and cause damage, including vision loss. Make sure you always wear sunglasses when you go outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and to help preserve your vision.
Exercise Smart. It’s completely fine to exercise outdoors in the summer, as long as you take the correct safety precautions. Wear appropriate clothing, use protective gear and make sure to keep track of time. Don’t stay outside for long periods of time and try to drink even more water than normal when you are exercising. It might also help to time your workouts for the morning or evening. Temperatures are usually cooler during these times and you’ll be able to avoid the heat during peak times of day.
Protect Yourself from the Sun. Some of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself from the sun is to wear sunblock and wear a hat when you’re outside. Sunscreen can keep you from getting painful and dangerous sunburns. Wearing a hat is also a great and easy way to block the sun’s harmful rays from damaging the skin on your face and neck.
Enjoy a Vibrant Lifestyle at Peabody Retirement Community
At Peabody Retirement Community, we offer you a wide variety of services and amenities to live an active, safe lifestyle at our communities. Whether you become a member of our independent living, assisted living or memory care communities, you will always be presented with opportunities for personal growth and development in a warm, home-like environment.
We are currently offering small group classes with the Wellness Coordinator at our Billie Jane Strauss Wellness Center to help keep residents active and healthy and help them to celebrate the ageless spirit.
Please contact us today at 260-201-2701 to learn more about the vibrant lifestyle that’s waiting for you at Peabody Retirement Community.
