With Washington on one side and scenic Chesapeake Bay on the other, you’ll never run out of summer sights to see in Prince George’s County. However, seniors in Prince George’s County may need a little extra help to get the most out of the warmest time of year.
Many seniors are sensitive to the effects of heat. Not only are they prone to overheating and dehydration, high temperatures and humidity can also exacerbate many chronic conditions. On top of that, many of them take medications that make it harder for them to tell when they need to cool down.
Here’s the good news: seniors in Prince George’s County have a plethora of ways to enjoy the summer sun in style and comfort. With air-conditioned spaces for them to get moving or relax, a schedule full of free events and mouthwatering Southern cooking to enjoy, there’s plenty of fun to be had just east of the nation’s capitol.
How Seniors in Prince George’s County can Enjoy Summer in Style
Here in Prince George’s County, there are plenty of ways for seniors to enjoy the summer. Here are some of our favorites:
- Keep the Kitchen Cool
As we get older, our appetites tend to decrease—but that doesn’t mean we actually need less food. Seniors often struggle to eat as much as they need to, especially when the summer heat makes the idea of turning on the oven unappealing.
One thing you can do to help your loved one eat enough is to prepare them healthy meals that don’t use the stove. The next time it heats up, try making them a delicious green smoothie that keeps them cool. If they like salads, try adding legumes or even some precooked chicken to get them the protein they need.
Prince George’s County also has a wealth of fantastic takeout options that your loved one will enjoy. Check out Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen for a taste of classic soul food rooted in family recipes that go way back to the early 1900s, when matriarch Ruby came up from South Carolina with her six boys. Ruby’s packs up its takeout specifically for reheating, so your loved one can stock their freezer with a taste of Southern hospitality.
- Find a Cool Place to Exercise
Science keeps finding more ways exercise is good for us—especially seniors. Not only does it help them maintain coordination, strength and heart health, it may also play a crucial role in brain health as well. It lifts mood and improves sleep, and a recent study found that it may even reduce the risk of dementia.
However, summers east of the Potomac can get muggy, so it’s important to take extra care to find seniors in Prince George’s County a way they can get moving in comfort. Next time your loved one is up for a stroll, try taking them to the Annapolis Mall, where sunlit, air conditioned walkways wind through dozens of shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to shop and explore on a hot day.
Exercise is always easier with friends who keep you motivated and focused, and it’s no different for seniors. That’s why a group exercise class at the Bowie Senior Center is one of the best ways for your loved one to stay physically active. They’ll find a variety of gentle workouts there like yoga, chair fitness, pickleball and Zumba Gold. Find out what fits their taste and they’ll get moving in no time.
- Monitor Sun Exposure
Sun exposure affects seniors more than most. Not only are they prone to skin and eye damage from direct sunlight, their bodies don’t always signal when they need to cool down or hydrate. On top of that, hot weather can intensify the symptoms of many chronic conditions. Before your loved one goes out to enjoy the summer sun, make sure they’re prepared for the elements.
First, work with them to plan their excursion. If possible, go out in the morning or evening if possible so they’re avoiding the hottest part of the day. Help them find a spot with plenty of shade, and make sure they’ll be able to get inside quickly to cool off if they overheat.
Next, help them get ready. Make sure they apply sunscreen and wear breathable, light clothing that will keep them cool without exposing too much skin. Top it off with a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes (and make them feel stylish). Pack them a few snacks they like, as well as an insulated water bottle (with electrolyte supplements, if you find one they like).
With the right preparations, your loved one is sure to enjoy their fun in the sun!
Caregivers can Help Seniors in Prince George’s County Enjoy the Summer
If your loved one is looking forward to summertime adventures, they’re in luck: There are plenty of resources to help them enjoy the season right here in Prince George’s County. And with a little help from a professional caregiver, they’ll be able to make use of all of them.
The compassionate, capable caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Prince George’s County are there to make your loved one’s summer as good as it can be. They’ll offer transportation to classes and events, prepare meals to help them eat right and help monitor sun exposure.
With a professional caregiver, you can make your loved one’s summer one to remember. Reach out to learn how we can help.