Licking County does summer like nowhere else. With music festivals, breweries and wineries, and plenty of trails and parks to explore, there’s no shortage of summer fun to be had around Newark, Ohio.
However, seniors in Licking County sometimes need help to make the most of the summer months. Older adults tend to drink less water than they need, and many of them also have chronic conditions that can be exacerbated by heat.
But here’s the good news: Licking County is full of resources that can help. With opportunities to exercise indoors and sources for summer clothing that’s both cooling and fashionable, there are plenty of ways for seniors in Licking County to enjoy the summertime in comfort.
How to Help Seniors in Licking County with Summer Safety
Gone are the days when high heat meant staying home. With the resources available today for seniors in Licking County, your loved one doesn’t have to choose between having fun and staying comfortable.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to stay cool and have fun this summer:
- Find a Cool Place to Exercise
Staying physically active is crucial to seniors’ wellbeing. Not only does it help them retain their strength, mobility and balance, it’s also one of the biggest factors for improving brain health.
While Licking County has no shortage of beautiful sights, it’s good to have an alternative to fun in the sun for the warmest days of the year. Next time it’s too hot for a stroll, head on over to the newly revitalized Historic Newark Arcade, a century-old glass-covered indoor walkway that spans an entire block along Newark Square.
Since its reopening just last February, the Arcade has quickly become a center of the Newark community. It hosts a wide variety of shops like bookstores, art spaces and clothing stores.
It’s the perfect spot to wander and soak up the summer sunlight—without the heat.
Historic Newark Arcade is also home to Dance Joy, a senior-friendly dance studio where your loved one can learn to dance, have fun and make friends. For more ways to stay mobile, sign them up for one of the many exercise classes at Licking County Community Center. With options like yoga, pickleball, chair volleyball and tai chi, they’re sure to find a workout that fits their needs.
- Avoid Turning on the Stove
Heat is known to reduce appetite. When the temperature rises, people tend to favor lighter fare and smaller portions. This can be a problem for seniors, many of whom already have trouble eating enough food. However, there’s a simple way to help keep the temperature down in your loved one’s home: Avoid using the stove.
Try heading to the Licking County Library to pick up a recipe book filled with nutritious and frosty smoothies or cold soups and salads.
Another great option is enjoying Newark’s wealth of takeout options. Our hands-down favorite is Palumbo’s Italian Market, a family-owned specialty market that prides itself on providing delicious, satisfying meals to go. At Palumbo’s, you’ll find Italian classics like lasagna Bolognese, chicken Marsala and of course, baked ziti, all prepped just for you.
- Dress to Beat the Heat
There’s nothing like a day of fun in the sun, but it’s important to keep in mind that seniors in Licking County can be vulnerable to both heat and direct sunlight. That’s why it’s important to look for summer-friendly clothing that’ll protect them from the sun while also keeping them cool.
If your loved one likes vintage chic, they’re in luck. Lady Monarch, a clothing boutique located in Historic Newark Arcade, stocks a hand-curated collection of breezy vintage outfits perfect for summer. Look for breathable cottons and linens in loose, flowing cuts—and keep an eye out for candles, perfumes and lotions in their favorite scents while you’re there!
Get Help From a Professional Caregiver
With so many ways to stay cool and comfortable, it’s no challenge to help seniors in Licking County enjoy the summer. And there’s even better news: Help from a professional caregiver can make it easier.
A caregiver from FirstLight Home Care of Licking County can help them get the most out of the summer months by transporting them to exercise classes, taking them shopping at Newark Arcade or making sure they stay hydrated. Our compassionate caregivers are dedicated to helping them enjoy the warm weather while staying cool and comfortable.
Whether you’d like help keeping your loved one active and engaged when the temperature climbs or you’re just looking for more resources, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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