The world-class beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater make the Tampa Bay area one of the top destinations in the country for summer fun. Combined with top-notch dining and leisure options, plus a host of free activities, Southern Hillsborough County is the ideal place to enjoy the warmer months.
However, Tampa seniors may need a little help to enjoy the summer as much as possible. They’re more prone to dehydration and heat stroke, and many of them take medications that make it harder for them to tell when they’re too warm.
Luckily, the Tampa area is more than ready to accommodate seniors’ needs so they can enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. With plenty of ways to get moving indoors, eat right and stay protected from the elements, it’s easy for seniors in Tampa to have a summer full of relaxation and adventure.
How to Help Tampa Seniors Enjoy the Summer
Here are our favorite ways to keep seniors cool and comfortable while they enjoy the summer:
- Find a Cool Place to Exercise
Getting regular exercise is incredibly important for both seniors’ mental and physical health. In fact, recent research even suggests exercise may reduce the risk of dementia. However, seniors are often especially prone to overheating, and they may need a little help staying active during Florida’s intense summers.
The good news is, the Tampa area was practically built to make fun in the sun easy and comfortable for everyone, no matter their age. For an easy walk that’s doable even on the hottest days, try taking your loved one to International Plaza and Bay Street, a luxury mall that’s part-indoor, part-outdoor. Enjoy a gentle stroll with them inside to cool off, then head outside to dine with them at one of the fantastic onsite restaurants.
If you want to help your loved one exercise regularly, make it part of their routine—and make it fun. Group workout classes give seniors the structure, motivation and support they need to keep at it week after week. If they’re in South Tampa, try signing them up for one of the many fitness groups at Sun City Center like swimming, aerobics and yoga. They even have a variety of dance classes available, from social dancing like swing and ballroom to choreographed routines like tap and ballet.
- Keep the Stove Off
On a hot, muggy day, food of any kind can feel unappetizing. Aging can reduce appetite even further, so on the hottest days of the year, seniors often struggle to eat enough—especially if dinner would mean turning on the oven.
Help your loved one out by putting together some pre-prepared meals for them that don’t involve heating up the kitchen. Beans, hummus and premade rotisserie chicken are all great ways to add protein to a salad or other cold meals.
Tampa’s culinary scene has never been as good as it is right now, and that means there are a wealth of excellent options for takeout. Ybor City is the American home of the Cuban sandwich, and nearly any corner shop there will send you home with a world-class example.
Our personal favorite, however, is Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant in Sun City Center. Though it looks unassuming, this neighborhood gem serves some of the best, most flavorful Italian-American food we’ve ever had—in portions generous enough to stock your loved one’s freezer for days. For your first order, we recommend the lasagna. It’s a family recipe that you won’t want to miss and is well-loved by Tampa seniors.
- Keep the Elements in Mind
Sunglasses are as functional as they are fashionable. Tampa’s intense sunlight makes it a beachy paradise, but it can also damage your eyes, even on cloudy days. Sunglasses provide a crucial layer of protection that helps ward off conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration that seniors are prone to.
Sunglasses are a key part of sun safety for Tampa seniors, so it’s important to get them from an optometrist you can trust. We recommend Sun Hill Optical, which has been keeping Southern Hillsborough County’s eyes sharp for nearly 50 years. With three branches between Brandon and Sun City Center, you’re sure to find a convenient location near you.
In addition, keep an eye on the weather, especially toward the end of the day. Tampa has thunderstorms most summer afternoons, but they tend to be brief. As long as you keep storm safety in mind and find shelter whenever the skies start to darken, there’s no need to let a few minutes of rain ruin a great day.
Help Seniors in Tampa Beat the Heat
Tampa is known for warm weather—but it’s also known for offering plenty of ways to beat the heat and enjoy the summer. And all it takes is the right support for your loved one to take advantage of every one of them.
The professional caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Southern Hillsborough County are here to help Tampa seniors stay cool and enjoy summer to the fullest. They can transport your loved one to and from classes and events, help them dress properly for the weather and ensure they’re eating and drinking enough.
Tampa is all about fun in the sun, so don’t let your loved one miss out. Reach out today to learn how you can help them get the most out of this beautiful season.