Between beautiful weather and a schedule packed with free events, summers in Columbus can’t be beat. However, seniors in Columbus may need a little extra help to enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. Many older adults take medications that make them feel cooler than they actually are. In addition, they may be more prone to dehydration and heat stroke.
Luckily, Columbus has options to ensure everyone enjoys the summer sun fully—and safely. With air conditioned spaces and nutritious ways to beat the heat, seniors in Columbus can easily have a summer full of fun and adventure.
How Seniors in Columbus Have Safer Summer Fun
Here are our favorite ways seniors in Columbus can keep cool while staying active and find everything they need to enjoy the sunny weather.
- Stay Cool While You Move
Exercise is a powerful way to build senior brain health, improve sleep and even prevent certain types of cancers. But during warmer weather, it requires a little extra care, especially for older adults, to engage in exercise safely.
Seniors in Columbus are spoiled for choice with summer exercise options. Try taking them for a walk at Easton Town Center. This open-air shopping center boasts over 200 stores, giving you plenty of opportunities to cool off in the A/C during your stroll. And, it was recently ranked one of the top 10 shopping centers in the nation! Check out their schedule to dance to live music or catch a free outdoor yoga class.
Looking for more open-air exercise classes? Head down to Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin for free fitness classes during Empower Hour.
- Give Your Oven the Night Off
Our appetites often decrease as we age, but our nutritional needs do not. Heat can make it even harder to eat, especially when that means turning on the oven.
Try picking up legumes or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for your loved one to ensure they get enough protein without needing to heat up their house by cooking. A Mediterranean pasta salad is a great, low-heat meal prep.
The Columbus area is also full of great takeout options; summer heat waves can be a great excuse to find a new favorite. Check out Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village for a taste of the delicious family recipes they’ve been serving up since 1886.
- Move Celebrations Indoors
Summer is often full of exciting celebrations: graduation parties, reunions and summer barbecues. While hosting them in the sunshine is fun, warmer weather can affect seniors more intensely, meaning they may have to cut their time at your next bash short.
Try hosting your event indoors, or at least at a venue with an indoor space, instead. The Dublin Community Recreation Center is a great option for your next family get-together. The Community Room alone seats up to 300 people, or it can be divided into smaller rooms. There’s also a beautiful Leisure Pool with a lazy river, a low-impact way to keep cool even during the dog days of summer.
- Protect from the Sun in Style
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement; they’re a key safety tool for enjoying time in the sun. Even on cloudy days, it’s important for older adults to protect their eyes to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye damage.
We recommend Shamrock Family Eye Care for all your optometry needs. In addition to helping your loved one get a stylish pair of sunglasses, they can also help with managing chronic conditions and even provide emergency eye care. If your loved one needs help getting to and from appointments, a professional caregiver can help.
Enjoy Summer Safely with Seniors in Columbus
Columbus is full of resources and events for seniors looking to beat the heat and fully enjoy the summer. And, with the right support, it’s easy for your loved one to take advantage of all of them.
A professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care of Central Ohio can offer rides to and from family events, help to monitor sun exposure and even prepare meals to help your loved one beat the heat.
Let’s make this summer your family’s best yet. Reach out today to learn more about your options.