3 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in Goodyear, AZ

With gorgeous natural scenery and plenty of resources to help you beat the heat, Goodyear is a great place to spend the summer. 

However, seniors in Goodyear may need assistance with the high temperatures we get so they can enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. They’re prone to dehydration and skin damage from direct sunlight, and many of them take medications that may make it harder to notice when they’re too warm.

Luckily, few places are better prepared for high heat than Goodyear. With plenty of air-conditioned spaces to relax and exercise, as well as resources to help residents stay cool and comfortable, your loved one is sure to enjoy their summer here.

How Seniors in Goodyear Have Safer Summer Fun

Ready to help your loved one enjoy the summer? Here are our favorite ways seniors can keep cool and stay active in Goodyear:

1. Celebrate Indoors 

Summer activities like barbecues, graduation parties and reunions can look a little different in a town that regularly sees highs in the 100s. During the hottest time of year, Goodyear is well-prepared to celebrate indoors, with a wide range of air-conditioned event spaces available for rent.

Next time you’re throwing a bash, consider scheduling it in the multipurpose room at the Goodyear Recreation Campus. This 3,000 square foot space comes equipped with tables and chairs which the staff can arrange however you like, as well as a prep kitchen. It’s the perfect spot for any summer get-together.

2. Know How to Manage the Heat 

Goodyear is known for its extreme heat in late summer, but if you keep heat safety tips in mind, it’s no challenge to help your loved one enjoy the season in comfort. 

The summer heat in Goodyear can be intense, but it’s a dry heat, and that makes it more bearable. As long as you drink enough water, wear breathable clothing and don’t spend long stretches outdoors, your body will be able to cool itself efficiently—but you’ll need to drink a lot more water than you expect. 

That goes double for seniors in Goodyear, who are prone to dehydration. In fact, by the time they feel thirsty, they may already be a little dehydrated. On top of that, heat can worsen many chronic conditions such as heart disease, so it’s crucial to help them stay cool and comfortable.

Here’s how to help your loved one prepare for the heat:

• Help them find light, breathable clothing that wicks sweat. Look for light colors because they reflect heat outward instead of absorbing it. Linen is a great fabric option, as are athletic polyester or rayon, but lightweight cottons can work as well. Look for styles that cover as much skin as possible to protect them from direct sunlight.
• Make sure they bring an insulated water bottle wherever they go, and that they keep drinking from it. Ask them if there’s anything else you can do to make it easier for them to drink water – it’ll pay off and help them stay comfortable.
• Find ways for them to stay active indoors as much as possible. If they do go out, encourage them to do so in the morning and evening when it’s cooler and less bright.
• Know where to find your local Heat Relief Sites. These stations, scattered around Maricopa County, are free, easy-to-access places where you and your loved one can cool down, hydrate and recharge whenever you like.

3. Protect from the Sun in Style

Sometimes fashion and function align. Sunglasses aren’t just stylish; they’re also a key safety tool for summers in Goodyear, where even indirect sunlight can cause burns and eye damage like cataracts and macular degeneration, especially among seniors. 

When you need a way to protect your loved one’s eyes from the sunlight, look no further than West Valley Vision. Their staff of full-service optometrists won’t just help them find a pair of stylish shades; they’ll also perform eye exams and help them manage and mitigate chronic eye conditions.

Help Seniors in Goodyear Celebrate the Summer

Goodyear is used to extreme heat, which is why it’s full of resources to help seniors enjoy their summers in comfort and style. With the right support, your loved one can make full use of them.

The kind and compassionate professional caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Goodyear are ready to help seniors in Goodyear stay active and cool this summer. They’ll transport your loved one to classes and events, help them apply sunscreen and keep them hydrated. They can even prepare healthy, delicious meals—without turning on the oven. Contact us today to make this your best summer yet.