Southern Alabama might have a lot of things going for it, but mild, easy summers are not among them. The constant heat and humidity can make people of all ages feel tired and sluggish, and it can be a real challenge for seniors in particular to muster up the energy to go out.
Fortunately, there are quite a few ways you can help. Dothan is home to a wide variety of resources to help older adults deal with—and even enjoy—the warmer months. Here are our favorites.
Senior Summer Fun in Dothan, AL
From indoor fitness classes and outdoor pools to trustworthy HVAC services that show up on time to make sure your loved one’s AC is running smoothly, Dothan has plenty of ways for older adults to enjoy the summer. These are a few of our best options.
- Take Them For a Swim
Spending time outside is known to improve seniors’ mental health, but with our hot, muggy weather, it’s easy to understand why they might rather stay in. However, there is one simple way for older adults to enjoy spending time outdoors: Going for a dip.
Spending time at the pool is one of the best ways to actually enjoy the summertime in southern Alabama. In fact, water is so good at cooling our bodies off that seniors can enjoy swimming and water aerobics on all but the hottest days. And here’s the good news: Dothan has no less than four public outdoor pools (plus one indoor lap pool), so your loved one is never too far from a good swimming hole.
Remember that while the water offers great protection against heat, it does almost nothing against harsh UV rays. That’s why even on a cloudy day, it’s crucial to make sure your loved one brings waterproof sunscreen, and to help them reapply it every few hours. Also, keep in mind that Gulf thunderstorms are common in the late afternoon, so it’s best to start packing it in around 4 PM.
- Find Them a Coach
Just because going outside is no fun this time of year doesn’t mean your loved one has to stay home until September—and it certainly doesn’t mean they need to stop moving. There are plenty of local gyms and wellness facilities like Southeast Health Fitness that offer a wide range of exercise and movement classes all summer long—quite a few of which are made specifically for seniors.
On top of general fitness, there are a lot of reasons why these classes are so good for seniors. They can help older adults maintain or even improve strength, balance and mobility, and they’re usually taught by positive, encouraging instructors who know how to help them build confidence.
Exercise classes are also a great place for older adults to make friends. While going to work out might seem like a drag at first, there’s a good chance your loved one will start to make friends after a few classes. At that point, their regular fitness class might just become a social occasion they can look forward to each week.
- Keep Their Home Cool
Heat puts a lot of strain on seniors’ bodies, so after a little time in Dothan’s sweltering heat, they need an easy place to rest and cool off. That’s why it’s so crucial to make sure their home stays cool and dry all summer long—which means a working AC unit.
Unfortunately, air conditioners have a habit of breaking down right when the heat is worst—and when they do, it’s a real challenge to find someone to fix them. That’s why it’s best to call a reliable HVAC service like Cosby Heating and Cooling for maintenance ahead of time, before anything breaks.
In fact, many HVAC companies offer subscriptions where they swing by for maintenance on a regular schedule. These subscriptions don’t just offer peace of mind; they also save you the trouble of having to remember to get the AC serviced at the start of each summer.
Caregivers Can Help Seniors Enjoy Summer in Dothan, AL
Summers in southern Alabama might be scorching, but the community of Dothan offers everything your loved one needs to stay cool and enjoy the sunny season. In addition to our many local resources, FirstLight Home Care of Dothan and Wiregrass is here to help seniors in your life enjoy the summer.
Our gentle caregivers act as a reliable companion, helping your loved one overcome all sorts of barriers that make it harder for them to enjoy the summer. They can assist with things like bathing, dressing and getting out of the house, and can offer a steady arm to lean on throughout the day.
Want to learn more about how our caregivers can help? Contact us today.
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