5 tips for a Healthy Summer for Seniors

Summer sun brings life to our world with blossoming flowers, burgeoning gardens and warm, restful days. But the sun’s life-giving force also brings with it potential danger, with too much exposure to heat. Every summer, more than 600 American seniors die of excessive heat and humidity. The risk of developing heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or experiencing dehydration increases as adults age, particularly among people with chronic medical conditions.

And yet, all people benefit from nature’s healing power. Summer offers a wider range of physical activities, from swimming to bike rides, to a stroll through the park. Heart health can improve with consistent time in nature, and nature promotes healing at the cellular level of our bodies. Natural light helps us sleep, and being around plants is great for mental and physical health.

Qualicare’s senior care franchise partners want our seniors to stay safe & healthy! So how can seniors access all of these wonderful benefits of nature in safety? Check out our 5 tips to stay cool & healthy in the summer!

Know the warning signs of Heat Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, a heat stroke occurs when the body experiences prolonged exposure or physical exertion in high temperatures. Prolonged exposure can raise the body’s temperature over 104 degrees fahrenheit (40 degrees celsius.) This condition requires treatment immediately. If left untreated, an individual’s brain, muscles, kidneys and heart can be damaged. Serious complications or death can occur, if heat stroke is left untreated.

In addition to high body temperature, there are other symptoms to watch for with heat stroke. For example, changes in skin can occur. A person’s skin may turn red as their body temperature increases. Skin may also feel dry and hot, if heatstroke is brought on by hot weather. If heatstroke is brought on by strenuous activity, skin may feel hot and moist.

Some people who experience heat stroke will exhibit altered behavior and mental states. They may not make sense during a conversation. Some people feel agitated, or experience slurred speech and delirium. When heat stroke is very serious, seizures and a coma can occur.

Other physical symptoms to watch for are vomiting, nausea, and headache. Sometimes, individuals will experience a change to heart rate and breathing. The heart experiences an extra burden while trying to cool down the body, which is what leads to an increased heart rate.

If you see the signs of heat stroke with anyone, but particularly a senior, be sure to contact emergency medical help right away.

Cool down safely

If you are worried about a loved one experiencing heat stroke, it’s important to know how to help safely cool them down. Be sure to only give water to an individual who is awake and can swallow while waiting for help. Try to cool the person down as much as possible, with cool water on the body, especially on ankles, wrists, and neck. Be sure to get out of the sun, and take off or loosen clothing to lower body temperature.

To keep the body temperature regulated overall, it’s important for seniors to stay in spaces that are air conditioned as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, there are public spaces that do. Senior centers often have group and individual activities, and are air conditioned, for example. Additionally, many towns and cities have libraries where seniors can sit and read. Or, seniors could walk around the grocery store or a mall, watch a movie at a theater, or sit at an air conditioned coffee shop or restaurant.

Stay Hydrated!

A common risk for seniors is dehydration. This condition occurs more often in summer due to the increased heat, and physical activity. Dehydration is caused by a loss of fluids which results from not drinking enough water, sweating excessively, certain medications, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and a poor diet.

It’s important to understand the signs of dehydration to curb any serious health outcomes which can result from this condition. Common signs are fatigue and weakness, a dry mouth or cracked lips, urinating less than usual, or having dark urine, feeling dizzy or confused, and experiencing headaches.

In order to avoid dehydration, seniors should carry water with them at all times when going outside in the summer, and take breaks while walking or exercising so as to monitor their body temperature. It’s important to drink a lot of water, and to eat fresh fruit and vegetables which support a hydrated body. Electrolyte drink mixes can be a good addition to a summer diet, to be sure that the body is maintaining minerals which are lost in the body through sweating.

Discuss medications with a medical professional

Are your medications impacted by the heat? Do they need storage in a cool location? And what are the side effects of your medication on you, when exposed to heat? These are important questions to know as summer heat descends! Some medications are impacted by increased temperatures, and individuals’ health can be at risk if they are not aware of the side effects. It’s important to read medication labels, and talk to your doctor about how medications can be impacted by heat, both in the bottle and in the body!

Plan outdoor activities during the morning and evening

One easy way to avoid potential physical harm in the summer is to plan outdoor time in the morning and evening, outside of when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Many people find that setting a schedule is a great way to make sure they are getting enough time outside, without putting themselves at risk of too much sun.

It’s important to wear hats that cover the face to shield the sun, and loose-fitting clothing on hot days, no matter what time it is. Staying comfortable during morning & evening walks will help with both relaxation, and energy!