While there’s plenty to enjoy in the great outdoors during Nebraska summers, the heat can be difficult for anyone, especially older adults. They’re often more sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight than they used to be, and some medications make it difficult to tell when they’re dehydrated or overheated. On a hot day, it can be risky for them to go outside for more than a short period—which is why many of them opt to stay home.
That’s why the best way to get seniors moving during the summer is to give them other options: ways to have fun and stay active while avoiding the heat. Fortunately, Norfolk has plenty of resources available to help. Here are our favorites.
Top Ways to Get Seniors Moving In Norfolk, NE During the Summer
From indoor gyms and workout classes to social occasions where they can make friends with like-minded peers, there are plenty of ways for seniors in Norfolk to get moving and enjoy the summer. Here are a few of the best options.
- Find Them an Indoor Workout
Summer poses a dilemma for seniors. They know that to maintain their long-term physical and mental health, they need regular exercise—preferably outside in nature. In the short term, though, it’s crucial for them to stay cool and avoid too much exposure to direct sunlight. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: Getting moving indoors.
While they can’t replicate the mental health benefits of spending time in nature, local athletic complexes like the Norfolk YMCA offer nearly everything else seniors need to get moving on the hottest days of the year. In addition to facilities and equipment for everything from swimming and weight lifting to aerobics and Pilates, our local Y hosts a variety of exercise classes designed specifically for older adults, with gentle movement and warm, encouraging instructors.
Is your loved one just getting back into exercise after an injury or illness? They might benefit from the YMCA’s private personal training. The professional trainers there know how to take seniors’ needs into account, making it less daunting to get moving again.
- Have Some Fun with Friends
Fitness experts know that motivation is a key part of any good exercise routine. Knowing you should do it might be enough to get you started, but that sense of determination inevitably fades as fatigue sets in and life gets in the way. Exercise is hard, especially for seniors, and doing it continuously over time is harder. To stick with it, older adults need something to look forward to—something that fills their cups and makes them feel excited to get out of the house.
Here’s the good news: Wayne Senior Center offers exactly what older adults need to stay motivated. They host group workout classes and sports meetups that turn movement from an obligation to an opportunity. They also maintain a full calendar of social events centered around a wide range of interests like crafts, card games, performing arts and billiards.
These activities offer seniors many ways to relax, have fun and make friends, but there’s another reason why they’re so helpful. Having regularly scheduled social events gives older adults a constant list of things to look forward to. With so many reasons to get out of the house, your loved one might not even notice how much exercise they’re getting.
- Keep Them Cool
Being out in the heat and humidity of summer can put a lot of strain on older adults’ bodies, and they need a reliable way to cool off. It’s especially important to make sure they can cool down overnight so their systems are able to bounce back—which means they need a reliable air conditioner.
Unfortunately, AC units tend to break down during the dog days of summer, right when we need them most. It makes sense; like any machine, they’re most prone to failure while under heavy use. Knowing that isn’t much comfort when you have to wait days for emergency repairs because the entire neighborhood has the same problem.
That’s why it’s best to make sure emergency repairs never become necessary. Instead of waiting for your loved one’s air conditioner to break, call a trustworthy local HVAC company like Heartland Heating and ask for maintenance before it stops working. You’ll save yourself a lot of worry…and because maintenance improves energy efficiency, you might even save a little money in the process.
Caregivers Can Get Seniors Moving During the Summer
Seniors are more sensitive to harsh summer weather than younger people, so it can be hard to get them moving during the summer…but the resources available in Norfolk can help. From social activities and indoor workout facilities to trustworthy AC repair services, there are plenty of ways to help your loved one enjoy the summer right here.
If a senior in your life needs a little extra help getting moving during the warmer months, FirstLight Home Care of Norfolk is here for them. Our kind and gentle caregivers can help older adults overcome many of the barriers that make it hard to enjoy the summer by assisting them with things like dressing, meals, transportation and more.
Ready to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.
