As we are nearing the mid-summer mark, here in New England we have endured some record-breaking heat and temperatures of over 100 degrees so far. There is more heat on the way for late July and August.
At this time of year, it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the heat. As we age, however, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, and the ability to notice thirst diminishes, according to a recent article. This makes seniors highly susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. To ensure that summer is a time of enjoyment and not a headache – keep in mind some of these very important protocols during the hottest months.Proactive Hydration
Rather than waiting until they feel thirsty, seniors should drink water continuously throughout the day. Keep a water bottle handy and take sips often, especially when outside for any length of time.
Rather than waiting until they feel thirsty, seniors should drink water continuously throughout the day. Keep a water bottle handy and take sips often, especially when outside for any length of time.
Timing Outdoor ActivitiesLimit outdoor time to the early mornings (before 10 a.m.) or late evenings (after 7 p.m.) when the UV index and temperatures are lowest.
Dress for protection
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing. Dark colors soak in the sun’s rays, while light colors bounce them away. Always wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when you go outside.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing. Dark colors soak in the sun’s rays, while light colors bounce them away. Always wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when you go outside.
Use sunscreen
Sunburns make it harder for your body to cool down. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher about 30 minutes before you go outside. “Broad-spectrum” means the lotion protects your skin from both types of the sun’s harmful rays, called UVA and UVB.
Sunburns make it harder for your body to cool down. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher about 30 minutes before you go outside. “Broad-spectrum” means the lotion protects your skin from both types of the sun’s harmful rays, called UVA and UVB.
Know the warning signs
Sometimes the signs of being too hot can creep up on you. Look out for these red flags: Headache, dizziness, or nausea, Confusion or strange behavior. Rapid pulse or breathing. Red, hot, or dry skin (a major warning sign of heat stroke). If you see or feel these signs, get out of the sun, drink water, and apply cool, wet cloths to the wrists, neck, and armpits.
Sometimes the signs of being too hot can creep up on you. Look out for these red flags: Headache, dizziness, or nausea, Confusion or strange behavior. Rapid pulse or breathing. Red, hot, or dry skin (a major warning sign of heat stroke). If you see or feel these signs, get out of the sun, drink water, and apply cool, wet cloths to the wrists, neck, and armpits.
Summer is a good time to consider a move
Summer can also be a time where someone might consider a move to more assisted care. Here at Brookhouse Home, we agree that seniors can become more and more isolated if they live alone, even in the summer months when staying indoors near air conditioning can lead to a lack of company or companionship throughout the long spells of intense heat. For many reasons, summer is actually an ideal time to consider a move to more assisted care. Summer can be an ideal choice for many older adults and their families to consider a move. Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and generally calmer weather make the moving process safer, more comfortable, and less stressful than during the colder months. Summer also provides new residents with greater opportunities to get involved in outdoor activities, social events, and community gatherings, making it easier to meet neighbors and build friendships right away. Families often find it more convenient to help with the transition as school schedules are on break, and vacation time is more readily available.
Summer can also be a time where someone might consider a move to more assisted care. Here at Brookhouse Home, we agree that seniors can become more and more isolated if they live alone, even in the summer months when staying indoors near air conditioning can lead to a lack of company or companionship throughout the long spells of intense heat. For many reasons, summer is actually an ideal time to consider a move to more assisted care. Summer can be an ideal choice for many older adults and their families to consider a move. Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and generally calmer weather make the moving process safer, more comfortable, and less stressful than during the colder months. Summer also provides new residents with greater opportunities to get involved in outdoor activities, social events, and community gatherings, making it easier to meet neighbors and build friendships right away. Families often find it more convenient to help with the transition as school schedules are on break, and vacation time is more readily available.
