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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Tampa seniors may need a little help to enjoy the summer as much as possible. They\u2019re more prone to dehydration and heat stroke, and many of them take medications that make it harder for them to tell when they\u2019re too warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, the Tampa area is more than ready to accommodate seniors\u2019 needs so they can enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. With <\/em>plenty of ways to get moving indoors, eat right and stay protected from the elements, it\u2019s easy for seniors in Tampa to have a summer full of relaxation and adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are our favorite ways to keep seniors cool and comfortable while they enjoy the summer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting regular exercise is incredibly important for both seniors\u2019 mental and physical health. In fact, recent research even suggests exercise may reduce the risk of dementia<\/a>. However, seniors are often especially prone to overheating, and they may need a little help staying active during Florida\u2019s intense summers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s doable even on the hottest days, try taking your loved one to International Plaza and Bay Street<\/a>, a luxury mall that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to help your loved one exercise regularly, make it part of their routine\u2014and make it fun. Group workout classes give seniors the structure, motivation and support they need to keep at it week after week. If they\u2019re in South Tampa, try signing them up for one of the many fitness groups at Sun City Center<\/a> like swimming, aerobics and yoga. They even have a variety of dance classes<\/a> available, from social dancing like swing and ballroom to choreographed routines like tap and ballet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014especially if dinner would mean turning on the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Help your loved one out by putting together some pre-prepared meals for them that don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tampa\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our personal favorite, however, is Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant<\/a> in Sun City Center. Though it looks unassuming, this neighborhood gem serves some of the best, most flavorful Italian-American food we\u2019ve ever had\u2014in portions generous enough to stock your loved one\u2019s freezer for days. For your first order, we recommend the lasagna. It\u2019s a family recipe that you won\u2019t want to miss and is well-loved by Tampa seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunglasses are as functional as they are fashionable. Tampa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunglasses are a key part of sun safety for Tampa seniors, so it\u2019s important to get them from an optometrist you can trust. We recommend Sun Hill Optical<\/a>, which has been keeping Southern Hillsborough County\u2019s eyes sharp for nearly 50 years. With three branches between Brandon and Sun City Center, you\u2019re sure to find a convenient location near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> in mind and find shelter whenever the skies start to darken, there\u2019s no need to let a few minutes of rain ruin a great day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tampa is known for warm weather\u2014but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Help Tampa Seniors Enjoy the Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Help Seniors in Tampa Beat the Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n