With balmy weather, panoramic vistas and plenty of things to do, there’s nowhere better to spend a summer than Alameda. While the Pacific Ocean keeps the Bay Area famously cool for most of the summer, Alameda seniors may need a little help to make the most of the water months.
Seniors may struggle to notice when they need water, so they can easily become dehydrated, even on cooler days. In addition, they’re often prone to skin and eye damage from sunlight, even when it’s cloudy.
The good news is, Alameda has a wealth of options to help everyone enjoy the summer sun to its fullest. With indoor exercise classes, shady walking trails and plenty of things to do, it’s a snap for seniors in Alameda to have a summer full of adventure.
How to Help Alameda Seniors with Sun Safety
There’s plenty for adventurous Alameda seniors to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite ways they can stay protected from the sun while enjoying the Bay Area’s beautiful summers:
- Don’t Get Fooled by Mild Weather
With Alameda’s mild summers, many seniors feel comfortable exercising outside even on the hottest days. This is undoubtedly a blessing, but it’s easy to get overconfident and overdo it when it’s nice out. Even on cloudy days, they can come back sunburned or thirsty after just a short walk.
That same Pacific breeze that makes our summers so pleasant can mask the effects of thirst and sun exposure—but it doesn’t actually diminish them. You still lose water as sweat when you go running on a cooler day; you just might not notice because it evaporates instantly. Don’t assume that the sunlight is mild just because the weather is: Alameda gets almost as much sun as scorching Fresno.
Get them an insulated water bottle that’s easy to drink from so they can hydrate on the go, even when they don’t feel thirsty, and help them put on sunscreen and a summer outfit. It should be made of lightweight, breathable materials like linen, polyester or rayon, with a loose fit and as much skin coverage as possible. Top it off with a sunhat and a pair of sunglasses, and they’ll be ready for adventure!
- Find a Shady Place to Exercise
You already know that exercise is great for seniors, improving their strength and balance, maintaining their mobility and reducing their risk of heart disease. However, you might not know that it’s also great for them mentally. It’s becoming increasingly clear that physical activity is key for senior brain health. It improves mood, leads to better sleep and even reduces the risk of dementia.
When your loved one is planning a trip outside, encourage them to schedule it during the morning or evening when the sun isn’t as harsh. Try directing them somewhere with plenty of shade like a tree-lined pathway or even South Shore Center, Alameda’s open-air shopping mall. With narrow footpaths designed to provide plenty of shade, as well as a wealth of shops and dining options to explore, it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll (and duck into the air conditioning when needed).
If your loved one wants a more intensive workout, try signing them up for an indoor exercise class at the Harbor Bay Club. This fitness center hosts regular senior-friendly workouts for Alameda seniors like yoga and water aerobics from highly-trained instructors—and its sweeping views of the Bay don’t hurt either.
- Protect from the Sun in Style
Sunglasses don’t just look good; they’re also crucial for enjoying time in the sun. Even when it’s cloudy, seniors are prone to eye damage from sunlight like cataracts and macular degeneration, and a good pair of sunglasses can keep them protected.
If you’re looking for a pair of shades for your loved one, we recommend Alameda Optometric Group. Beyond sunglasses, they can also perform eye exams (including specialized exams for diabetics) and help manage a variety of ocular conditions. They even offer emergency eye care as needed.
Caregivers Can Help Alameda Seniors With Sun Safety
Alameda is full of things to do in the summer, and with the right support, your loved one can enjoy them all. A professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care of Alameda can help them stay protected from the sun and give reminders to hydrate.
They can also offer rides to classes and sights to see to enjoy the summer in style. Let’s make this summer your loved one’s best so far. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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