With warm days, cool nights and beautiful views of the Ozarks, Northwest Arkansas is a great place to enjoy the summer. However, Northwest Arkansas seniors may need a little assistance enjoying summer to the fullest. In addition to being more vulnerable to skin and eye damage from sun exposure, they’re also prone to dehydration because they often struggle to drink enough water.
However, Northwest Arkansas offers a great variety of ways to ensure your loved one can enjoy the summer sun in comfort. With plenty of ways to eat right, stay cool and protect themselves from the sun, seniors in North Arkansas will have no trouble enjoying the warmer months.
How to Help Northwest Arkansas Seniors with Summer Safety
Here are our three favorite ways you can help your loved one stay cool and comfortable so they can enjoy the summer in style:
- Keep the Oven Off
The summer tends to decrease people’s appetite, making them favor lighter, less calorie-dense meals. On top of that, many seniors already have a reduced appetite—but even though they feel like they don’t need as much food, their actual nutritional needs are still the same. Put those together, and you can see why it’s often hard for seniors to eat enough food during the summer.
Since firing up the oven only heats up the kitchen more, it can be helpful to find recipes for nutritious, no-heat meals. You might think of frozen yogurt as just a dessert, but it’s surprisingly nutritious—and with the right add-ins, it becomes a full meal that helps you cool off instead of warming you up. The best part is, you can make it right in your food processor!
Takeout is another fantastic way to get a nutritious meal without raising the mercury, and Northwest Arkansas seniors have no shortage of options. When your loved one wants a satisfying meal without heating up the kitchen, just put in an order with Marketplace Grill in Springdale. This neighborhood eatery is strictly no-frills: It’s just good food with generous portions at a reasonable price. For your first order, try getting one of their hearty meal-size salads.
- Protect from the Sun in Style
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory; they’re also an important sun safety tool. Seniors are prone to eye damage like cataracts and macular degeneration, so it’s important for them to wear sunglasses outside, even on cloudy days.
When you’re searching for summer eye protection, Northwest Arkansas seniors can look no further than McDonald Eye Associates in Fayetteville or Rogers. They carry a wide range of stylish sunglasses in their optical gallery, so your loved one is sure to find the pair that meets their needs. McDonald can also help with chronic eye conditions, and their surgeons specialize in removing cataracts.
- Monitor Sun Exposure
Most seniors are vulnerable to sun exposure. Direct sunlight damages their skin and eyes more quickly than it used to, and they may be less able to detect when they need to drink water or cool down. Even in the shade, hot weather can exacerbate chronic conditions like heart disease, so it’s important to keep your loved one protected on hot days.
When Northwest Arkansas seniors want to get moving, help them to do so inside. When they do go out, make sure they head somewhere with plenty of shade and an easy way to head inside to cool off whenever they need. Encourage them to schedule their outing during the morning or evening, when the heat is less intense.
It’s also important to prepare seniors for the summer heat before they go out. Get them an insulated water bottle that’s easy to drink from, ensure they wear their sunglasses and help them put on sunscreen.
Lastly, help your loved one pick an outfit appropriate for hot weather. Look for loose cuts that offer full coverage and plenty of airflow, as well as lighter colors. Light, breathable fabrics like linen or athletic polyester/rayon are best, but cotton can also work as long as it’s not humid. And lastly, make sure they don’t forget their sun hat.
Caregivers Can Help Northwest Arkansas Seniors Enjoy the Summer
With the support of a professional caregiver, it’s easy for seniors to take advantage of the resources available in Arkansas and enjoy their summer to the fullest. The kind, compassionate caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Northwest Arkansas are here to give your loved one the support they need by transporting them to workout classes and family events, helping them with sun protection or even preparing a delicious cold meal.
Ready to make this your loved one’s best summer yet? Reach out today to learn how we can help!
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