3 Ways Seniors Can Stay Cool This Summer
3 Ways Seniors Can Stay Cool This Summer
July 21st, 2023
The summertime offers many great activities for seniors and their families to engage in. While having summer fun is highly encouraged, older adults must avoid sustaining damage from the sun and its heat.
Why Is Protection From the Sun and Heat Important for Seniors?
The warmth from the sun may feel great in small doses, but over-exposure to the elements in rising temperatures poses a significant risk to older adults. The following are some of the dangers of heat and sun exposure on seniors:
- Heat syncope
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
- Sunburn
All seniors should take precautions to avoid complications from heat and sun exposure. But, some seniors may be at a higher risk of experiencing the dangerous effects of exposure.
The following increases the risk of heat-related illness in older adults:
- Cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease
- Changes in the skin caused by typical aging
- Taking medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications
- Taking several prescription drugs at the same time
- Being underweight, overweight, or obese
- Drinking alcohol
- Living in a space without air conditioning or fans
- Being dehydrated
Here are three great ways to protect yourself from the sun and heat during the hot summer:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: A sure way to limit your risks while enjoying the warm summer days is to drink plenty of fluids; you may need more than you think. Water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, or electrolyte drinks are great beverage options to keep yourself hydrated and replenish necessary electrolytes.
- Spend Time in Cool Areas: An important strategy for staying cool on those scorching days is to spend the hottest parts of the day in a cool area. Air conditioning or fans in your home is a great way to combat the rising temperature and keep your living space cool. If you do not have access to A/C or fans, the following are tips to keep your home as cool as possible:
- Limit oven use
- Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed during peak temperatures
- Open windows at night
If your living space is still too hot, try spending time in other places that have air conditioning, such as a shopping mall, movie theater, library, senior center, or the home of a friend or family member.
- Wear Sunscreen When Spending Time Outdoors: Wearing SPF 15 or higher sunscreen will significantly diminish the chance you get a painful sunburn while enjoying the delights of the summer weather. Applying sunscreen to any exposed skin is vital if you plan to be outside for an extended period. If you get a sunburn, avoiding sun exposure until it is fully healed is necessary.
The summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and bond with loved ones. If you stay hydrated, spend time in cool spaces, and protect your skin from sun exposure you can enjoy the great outdoors in a pleasant and safe fashion.
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