In many ways, helping your senior stay active and safe in the summer is similar to helping them stay active and safe in the winter. The biggest danger for many seniors who strive to get out and be active is the weather. Extremely hot days, paired with high humidity and extremely strong rays from the sun, can quickly take a fun outdoor activity and make it dangerous.
Five Summertime Dangers That Can Affect Seniors
- Dehydration – Many seniors become dehydrated without ever feeling thirsty. This is because their ability to feel thirsty diminishes as they age and when out in the hot weather. Seniors can also become dehydrated more quickly because their bodies do not store as much water as they used to, giving them fewer reserves to tap into.
- Heat Exhaustion – Seniors can be more likely to succumb to the high heat due to their bodies being less able to protect themselves from the heat. As people age, they sweat less, a necessary tool for cooling off.
- Sunburn – Thinner skin can increase the risk of sunburn and quickly cause pain and damage to any exposed skin.
- Heat Stroke – Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia that occurs when the body is overcome by heat and unable to control its temperature.
- Negative Medication Side Effects – Some medications can cause health concerns for your loved one if they are exposed to too much sun or high temperatures for a long period.
Enjoying the Summer While Staying Cool
Again, just like winter, staying active is important for your elderly loved one to keep them healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Activities are an important part of having an enriching life and finding joy in the every day, so when possible, consider the weather when trying to help your senior determine what their week’s activities will look like.
Here are a few ideas to help your senior stay active without putting themselves in danger:
- Join a senior community center that has indoor activity areas like pickleball courts, a walking track, and/or a pool. That way, your loved one can get the exercise they desire without having to worry about the soaring temperatures outside.
- Visit a local public building. Depending on where your senior lives, there can be lots of public buildings that they can visit, most of them without charge. Historic buildings often offer tours, but there are also museums, libraries, and so much more.
- Use a mall for walking. Many malls open early just for walkers.
- They can still visit places like gardens or zoos, just keep to the interior buildings as much as possible to prevent any heat-related illnesses.
Bring Activities to the Home
If going out is not an option, consider having a companion care at home provider visit regularly with your senior to ensure they still have something fun to look forward to each week. A companion care at home provider can play games with them at home, help them work on activities like baking or bird watching, and provide someone for them to connect with. The benefits of having someone come to the home to provide companion care at home are numerous and a great way to make sure your elderly loved one is enjoying their summer days.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Danbury, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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