This article was contributed by Shannon Lochwood
The warm summer season is a prime time to enjoy the weather and spend some time outdoors. Everyone enjoys some good fun in the sun, but remember that warm, sunny weather comes with its risks as well. This is especially true for elderly people who are more prone to the adverse effects of intense heat. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the warm weather while staying safe.
Stay Hydrated and Increase Your Water Intake
Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to ward off heatstroke and keep cool during warm weather. You should expect to drink more water than you normally would just to keep from being thirsty. Avoid sugary beverages like carbonated drinks or sweet tea, which can satisfy your thirst but won’t keep you sufficiently hydrated. Alcohol and caffeine also make you more susceptible to heatstroke. If you take diuretics or water pills for any health conditions, then you should approach the day’s activities with extra caution as these sorts of medications cause the body to lose fluids more quickly. Remember to carry water with you and to take sips from it frequently.
Stay Indoors During Extreme Heat
Spending time outside is known to have benefits for both mental and physical health but during times of extreme heat, it has the capability to do more harm than good. On very hot days, it’s best to limit outdoor time to earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is setting. This will ensure that you don’t spend too much time outside during the middle of the day when the sun is at its most intense. Be especially careful of areas with a lot of concrete because they can reflect the sun’s rays back at you. The sun is generally at its strongest from around 11am to 4pm, so be sure to stay indoors during these hours if possible.
Slather on Sunscreen and Dress for Success
As we age, we become more sensitive to the dehydrating effects of prolonged sun exposure. Simply standing in the sun for too long can be enough to make an older person feel thirsty, and begin to suffer from dehydration. To help prevent the harmful effects of sun exposure in the summer season we recommend purchasing sunscreen of at least 30SPF and with broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply this sunscreen regularly and to cover every exposed area possible. This includes areas that are often forgotten such as your ears, upper lip, and the back of your hands.
You should also dress appropriately when leaving your house on a hot summer day. It is recommended to wear light-coloured, loose clothing. Loose clothing allows you to move freely and is less likely to stick to sweat. Dressing in light colours will attract less sunlight and heat than dark colours do, which will help you stay cool. You should also consider wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat to further protect your eyes and face.
Do Outside Activities Earlier in the Day
Our daily routines often require us to spend some amount of time outdoors. You may have a garden that you regularly tend to or a dog that has gotten used to a midday walk. Whilst these sorts of routines are important, they can also be dangerous when it is intensely hot outside. Do any of the activities that require you to spend a prolonged amount of time outside earlier in the day if you can manage to do so. This way, you still get to enjoy your outdoor hobbies safely even during the summer season. Alternatively, you could spend time outdoors after the sun has begun to set if you don’t get up early enough to beat the sun.
Avoid Unnecessary Errands
Unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop because of summer season heatwaves. You’ll likely still have errands to run and chores to do. Fortunately, the modern world provides us with alternative ways of getting our daily tasks completed. For example, you can order groceries and other products you need online to avoid going out in the sun. Sometimes, it is even possible to get same-day delivery on certain items.
There are also apps available that allow you to order many of the daily conveniences you’ve become accustomed to. Convenience store snacks, food from your favourite restaurant, and even groceries can all be delivered directly to your door through apps like Deliveroo.
Properly Store Medications
The heat affects more than just your body. When the weather is warm, your medications can also be in danger. According to professionals, some medications can become less effective when stored at temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. Medications need to be stored in a dry, room temperature area in order to remain effective. Avoid storing medicine in areas that experience dramatic shifts in temperature throughout the day. This includes window sills, outdoor areas, and cars.
Stay Safe in Summer
Warm weather can be a treat, but it can also be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Keep these tips in mind and know your limits. You should also take precautions. A personal alarm from LifeConnect24 provides additional peace of mind during the summer months. It is ideal for the elderly and people living with disabilities or other health conditions. If you have a fall or feel unwell because of the heat, simply press the button on your pendant alarm. This will send a signal to our professional Response Team. They will then arrange help for you by informing emergency contacts or, if necessary, the emergency services.
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