Summer is a great time to take your loved one on an outdoor adventure. From walking trails to open-air concerts, there’s no shortage of sights to see and things to do to help them stay active and engaged.
Seniors can be more prone to overheating on hot days, but there are plenty of things you can do to help them stay cool this summer. There’s no shortage of indoor places for seniors to stay active in Greater Charlotte, even on days of extreme heat. With just a little planning, it’s easy to keep them safe and comfortable.
Here are our favorite summer sun safety tips to help your loved one stay cool and comfortable when the mercury climbs:
Put on Summer Clothing
Good-quality summer clothing can make the heat a lot more bearable for seniors. When you take your loved one shopping, help them pick outfits that are loose, lightweight and breathable. Focus on light colors, which reflect heat instead of absorbing it.
While short sleeves may feel best for keeping cool, long sleeves provide needed protection from UV rays. Consider getting your loved one a sun hoodie that will provide protection without trapping heat.
Don’t forget to check the materials. Linen, silk and athletic polyester or rayon are the best options for summer wear. Not only are they light and breathable, they also wick away sweat to keep your loved one cool and dry. Cotton is decent, but it’s unsuitable for muggy days or strenuous exercise because it retains moisture.
Wear Sunscreen
Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least SPF 30 sunscreen, which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays.
Remember that sunscreen takes time to work, so help your loved one put it on before they go outside. It’s best to apply it an hour before going outdoors, then repeat every two hours.
Keep Cool
Many seniors take medication that can make them feel cooler than they are, making it important to monitor their sun exposure even when they’re not feeling the heat. In addition, hot weather can exacerbate many chronic conditions, so staying cool is a must.
When enjoying the summer sun, schedule outdoor exercise for mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler. Try to choose locations with plenty of shade and an air conditioned building nearby so it’s easier to cool off when needed.
Drink Up
Hydration is critical on hot days. Even though seniors don’t feel as thirsty as younger people, that doesn’t mean they actually need less water. It’s best for them to drink 6-8 glasses of water on ordinary days, plus more for every hour they spend in the sun.
When spending more than an hour outside—especially when exercising—make sure they bring water along with them. Here’s one of our favorite tricks: Get them a backpack-style hydration bladder and freeze it overnight. Keeping a block of ice on their back can help them stay cool, and as it melts, it provides a convenient water source as well.
Keep in mind, some seniors may be on reduced fluid intake orders based on a medical condition. Be sure to check with their primary care physician if you are unsure.
Wear Your Specs
As we age, our eyes become more sensitive. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the cumulative damage that causes eye problems like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration in seniors. Wrap-around styles that protect from both UVA and UVB rays are best.
Know the Warning Signs
A scorching day is never pleasant, but it’s important to know when it starts to become dangerous. If your loved one ever starts to feel dizzy or ill on a hot day, take them inside to cool down immediately.
Pay special attention if your loved one is experiencing disorientation or hot, dry skin, which may be signs of heat stroke. If you see these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Find Places to Exercise Indoors Around Charlotte
Regular, low-intensity exercise like walking has significant benefits to seniors’ mobility, energy levels and mental health, but it’s challenging on the hottest days. Luckily, the many malls in Greater Charlotte like Northlake, Carolina Place, Concord Mills and South Park are all great spots for a brisk indoor walk. Many of our local YMCAs also have indoor walking tracks; you can search here to find one closest to you.
If your loved one prefers a more structured workout, sign them up for a group class at local senior centers like the one in Tyvola. There, they’ll find low-impact indoor exercise classes like yoga and water aerobics, which are great opportunities for seniors to stay active while socializing and making friends.
Get Help From Professional Home Care Services in Charlotte, NC
When the temperature starts to rise, a professional caregiver can help keep your loved one cool. By ensuring seniors have hydration, ventilation and breathable summer clothes, caregivers can make the hottest days safe, comfortable and even fun.
At FirstLight Home Care of Greater Charlotte, our mission is to help seniors have their best day, every day—safely, in any conditions. Hot weather poses additional risks for seniors with dementia, but we’re here to help with some of the best memory care in Charlotte, NC.
Whether you need help keeping your loved one comfortable during the summer or you’re just looking for more tips to help them beat the heat, please reach out. We’d be happy to help.