We tend to think of summer as a time to go on fun adventures with family, but the truth is that it’s a difficult time for older adults. Seniors are prone to sunburns, dehydration and overheating, and they struggle to tell when they need to cool down or drink water. That can make it hard for them to enjoy the summer in North Carolina’s famous heat.
That doesn’t mean older adults need to stay home all summer; they just need to take a few precautions…and you can help. There are plenty of resources in Charlotte to help keep seniors moving—here are some of our favorites.
Top Resources in Charlotte to Keep Seniors Moving During the Summer
From lightweight clothing to keep older adults cool to swimming pools for them to enjoy, there are quite a few ways to keep seniors moving in Charlotte. Here are three of the best options.
Make a Splash
In Charlotte, summertime presents a dilemma for older adults. On the one hand, they know exercise is important for their long-term physical and mental well-being (preferably outside). On the other hand, they also need to be mindful of the heat, and moving around outside will often be too much for them.
There’s one exception: Swimming. Water cools our bodies down 25 times faster than air does, which makes it very hard to overheat in the pool, even while doing light or moderate exercise. Just make sure to pack your friend or family member plenty of waterproof sunscreen, as well as a water bottle—it’s easier than you might think for them to get dehydrated while in the water.
For especially hot days—or if your friend or family member just doesn’t want to worry about sunscreen—try bringing them to an indoor pool like Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center or Marion Diehl Recreation Center. In addition to sun protection and air conditioning, these facilities also offer a variety of group workout classes to make exercise fun.
Make Drinkable Meals
Older adults struggle to eat enough under the best of circumstances due to a reduced appetite. They might not feel hungry often, but they still need the same amount of food—they just can’t identify that need. On top of that, many medications make food less appealing…as does hot weather.
There’s a reason the dog days of summer make food less appealing: Digestion naturally creates heat, so our bodies want to avoid it if possible. Cold and frozen foods can help.
That’s why one of the best ways for seniors to eat their meals during the summer is to drink them, in the form of delicious nutritional smoothies from juice bars like Smooth Monkey. These frozen treats might taste as sweet and rich as a milkshake but have all the contents of a healthy, balanced meal.
If your friend or family member likes them, it may be worth investing in a high-quality blender so you can make your own at home.
Get Them Summer Gear
Older adults might enjoy fun in the sun just as much as younger people, but it’s crucial for them to find ways to cool down—and the right clothes can make all the difference. While many seniors have a traditional fashion sense, their favorite styles often trap warmth and moisture, causing them to overheat far more quickly than they otherwise would.
Fortunately, the right outfit can help. Sportswear shops like Jesse Brown’s Outdoors sell summer-weight clothing that can help your friend or family member stay cool while keeping the sun and bugs off. Here’s what to look out for in summer wear.
- Breathable materials like linens or athletic nylons, which offer plenty of ventilation to keep seniors cool.
- Loose cuts to provide even more airflow and ventilation.
- Full-body coverage to protect their skin from UV rays. (Make sure to include a sun hat or baseball cap to cover their scalp as well.)
While you’re there, it’s a good idea to pick up an insulated water bottle to keep them hydrated (preferably with a built-in straw), as well as water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF. If they’ll be going out in nature, bug repellent spray is a must as well.
How Caregivers Keep Seniors Moving
The heat and humidity of North Carolina summers can make it hard for older adults to stay active, but the good news is that there are plenty of local resources to help keep seniors moving right here in Charlotte. From juice bars and swimming holes to outdoor equipment shops, there are plenty of ways to help right in your backyard.
If a senior in your life needs a little help staying engaged this summer, FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte is here for them. Our dedicated caregivers can remove barriers by helping older adults get out of the house and providing companionship and support wherever they need to go, making summer fun easy again.
Ready to learn how we can help? Contact us today.
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