With balmy weather and plenty of free things to do, Ann Arbor is a fantastic place to enjoy the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan is known for mild summers, but on the hottest days, seniors in Ann Arbor may need a little extra help to enjoy themselves. Seniors tend to be more prone to overheating and dehydration, and their medications may make them feel cooler than they actually are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help seniors in Ann Arbor enjoy the summertime in comfort. With air-conditioned spaces where they can walk around, learn to dance or build strength and endurance, Ann Arbor seniors can easily have a summer full of relaxation and adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to help your loved one stay active this summer? Here are some of our favorite ways to help seniors in Ann Arbor stay active and engaged during the warmer months without overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat diminishes our sense of hunger, making food seem unappealing, but it doesn\u2019t actually reduce our need for nutrition. Many seniors already have reduced appetites, and adding heat on top of that can make it challenging to eat enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help, prepare them nutritious, cold meals like a Mediterranean pasta salad<\/a>. You can also add beans, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or avocados to existing dishes, making them a delicious source of protein, fiber and healthy fats that don\u2019t feel too heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting regular exercise is one of the top ways seniors can improve their quality of life. Staying physically active helps them retain mobility, strength and coordination, as well as improving their overall longevity. It also boosts their mood and helps them get to sleep at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ann Arbor\u2019s mild summers make it the perfect spot for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling and fishing\u2014most of the time. On the hottest days, it\u2019s best to find seniors in Ann Arbor somewhere air-conditioned if they\u2019re looking to stay active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did a sudden heat wave derail your plans to take your loved one for a stroll at Matthaei Botanical Gardens<\/a>? Head on down to Briarwood Mall<\/a>, where a full 100 stores and restaurants will entice them to explore and enjoy while staying cool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are they looking for a way to keep up their workout routine when the temperature climbs? Try signing them up for one of the regular classes at Ann Arbor Senior Center<\/a>, such as strength conditioning, tai chi, yoga or line dance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular group workout classes make exercise part of your loved one\u2019s routine and give the support and motivation of a team they\u2019ll look forward to seeing every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seniors are often extra vulnerable to the effects of sun exposure. They\u2019re more prone to skin and eye damage from direct sunlight, and they\u2019re also less able to detect when they\u2019re overheating or dehydrated. Even outside direct sunlight, hot weather can exacerbate chronic conditions<\/a> like heart disease, so it\u2019s important to keep your loved one cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a senior you know plans to go outside on a hot day, encourage them to do it during the morning or the evening, when it\u2019s generally cooler. Help them find a location with plenty of shade, and make sure there\u2019s somewhere nearby they can go to cool off as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also important to help your loved one prepare for the heat. Protect them from direct sunlight by helping them put on sunscreen, summer clothing and a pair of sunglasses. Make sure that clothing is breathable and lightweight, and that it covers most of their body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, help them stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle that\u2019s easy to use. Avoid small screw-on caps that may be difficult to work if they have arthritis, opting for push-button or straw lids instead. Electrolyte tablets and powders in fun flavors, like those available at the Ann Arbor REI<\/a>, can help to boost hydration and make drinking water more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ann Arbor\u2019s summers tend to be mild, but there\u2019s no shortage of resources here to help you enjoy even the hottest days. And with the support of a professional caregiver, your loved one will have no trouble taking full advantage of them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Help Seniors in Ann Arbor Enjoy the Summer with Professional Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n