While summers are often when we most want to gather, enjoy the sunny weather and head outdoors, the warmer weather is a little more complicated for older adults. Not only are they more sensitive to heat and sunburns than younger people, seniors also struggle to identify when they’re dehydrated or overheated. Knowing that, it’s very understandable why many of them opt to stay home when the temperature rises.
Here’s the good news: With the right support, it’s possible to get seniors moving during the summer, and Woodbridge has plenty of options. Here are some of our favorites.
How to Help Seniors Stay Active This Summer in Woodbridge, VA
From climate-controlled exercise complexes and outdoor water parks to trustworthy HVAC technicians to keep your loved one’s AC running smoothly, Woodbridge has plenty of ways to help seniors get moving this summer.
- Make a Splash
We often think of summer as a time to have fun in the sun, but during the dog days, there are very few ways to go outside that actually feel good. One big exception stands out, though: Swimming. Water cools off our bodies quickly and lessens strain on aching joints.
The pool is also a fantastic place for older adults to exercise during the summer. In the water, seniors can enjoy moving around with reduced impact and joint pressure, without a fear of falling or overheating. Fortunately, Prince William County has a wide variety of outdoor pools and water parks to choose from, so it’s easy for your loved one to find a convenient spot they like.
Before a senior in your life dives in, make sure they take the proper precautions. While the pool can prevent overheating, it doesn’t actually stop older adults from getting dehydrated, so it’s important to pack them a water bottle. Also, waterproof sunscreen is a must—make sure to help them reapply it every few hours if they’re sticking around.
- Get Moving Indoors
If your loved one likes running, walking or any other form of outdoor exercise, they may not want to pivot to swimming during the summer. Fortunately, there’s another option: Take it inside.
Prince William’s County’s fitness centers have the equipment and facilities to help your loved one do most forms of exercise indoors, so they won’t have to change their workout routine—just where they do it. The county also hosts a variety of movement classes for older adults like yoga, Pilates and aerobics, giving them the structure and community they need to keep coming back.
If a senior in your life misses taking walks outside, there’s a good alternative: Mall walking at Potomac Mills. While they’re no substitute for sunlight and fresh air, malls are in many ways the perfect spots for seniors to take a stroll. They offer plenty of protection from heat and sunburns while still letting older adults enjoy the natural light. Their flat walkways are easy to traverse and free of tripping hazards, and they have plenty of snacks, drinks and places to sit in case your loved one needs a break.
- Keep Their Home Cool
Sustained high temperatures can put a lot of strain on older adults’ bodies, so they need a cool place to rest, especially at night. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure their home stays cool and dry—which means they need central air conditioning they can count on.
The problem is that when AC units die, it’s usually because of heavy use during a heat wave, right when we need them the most. When that occurs, it can be challenging to get timely repairs because so many other people in the area are experiencing the same issue.
That’s why it’s so important to contact a trustworthy HVAC company like Brennan’s HVAC and get your loved one’s air conditioner serviced before it breaks. That way, you can rest easy knowing their home will stay cool and dry. Properly maintaining an AC unit also improves its efficiency, so you’ll also reduce their power bill in the process.
Caregivers Can Help Get Seniors Moving
Prince William County’s muggy summers can take it out of seniors, making it harder for them to get out of the house and stay active, but the good news is that there are plenty of resources available to help. From indoor gyms and malls to move around in to outdoor pools and water parks, Woodbridge has no shortage of ways to get seniors moving this summer.
Does a senior in your life need a little extra help staying active during the summer? FirstLight Home Care of Woodbridge is here for them. Our compassionate caregivers can act as a reliable companion for your loved one throughout the day, removing barriers and getting them from place to place.
To learn more about how we can help, just contact us.
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