Summertime is one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year. Visiting the beach, eating ice cream and lounging by the pool are just a few activities we love to engage in this time of year. However, during summer, some older individuals may be at risk for common summer ailments.
Learn what can make you prone to experiencing a summer-related health issue and how you can mitigate your risk – while still enjoying the season.
Four Essential Summer Safety Tips
During the longer summer days, you have more time (and hopefully) more energy to re-engage in activities. Your local community may host summer festivals and parties to take advantage of the nice weather. Upscale senior living communities, such as Beacon Hill, may also host special summer events and serve seasonal dishes to celebrate the summer.
Whether you are participating in events at a community or at home, there are ways to mitigate your risk of heat-related illnesses. You can even create a summer health checklist to refer to. Remember, if you feel ill or uneasy during the summer, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Wear Sunscreen and Sunglasses
If one spends too much time in the sun without appropriate protection, the chances of experiencing skin cancer can increase. This is especially true for older adults. Fortunately, reducing your risk is easy. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. This SPF level is more likely to block the harmful UVB and UVA sun rays that can cause sunburn or skin cancer. Remember, sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, especially if you are participating in water activities.
Sunglasses have two functions. One, they can enhance your already stylish wardrobe. Two, they protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses with UV 400 level provides nearly 100% protection from these rays. When you safeguard your eyes from harmful sun exposure, you also limit your chances of developing cataracts and other serious eye issues.
Change Your Wardrobe
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common and dangerous ailments that older adults are at greater risk of experiencing. This is due to changes in body composition, which make it more prone to an inability to cool down fast enough temperatures soar above 90 degrees.
One way to mitigate your risk of this illness is to keep your wardrobe bright, airy and loose-fitting for the summer. Avoid wearing black, brown or dark colors during the summer. These hues absorb more heat than their lighter counterparts. Cotton and moisture-wicking clothing will also keep you more comfortable during hot days. Cotton is more breathable, while moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat away from one’s skin.
Enhance Your Diet
Every season produces its own abundance of fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh produce has been shown to improve one’s health, so ensure you are taking advantage of the summer’s harvest to fuel your body and mind. Summer is the best time to shop at a local farmers market. There, you will find summer delights such as strawberries, watermelon, mangoes and cucumbers. Make your favorite fruit salad, popsicles and other classic summer recipes and indulge. It’s good for you!
Change Your Workout
During the summer months, you may need to adjust your workout schedule and routine to reduce risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This is why many older individuals prefer to work out in the morning when it’s cooler. Try adjusting your routine to avoid strenuous exercises during the hottest parts of the day. Work with your trainer or fitness partner to make the appropriate adjustments.
Enjoy Summer Safely At Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is the first and only Illinois senior living community to be recognized as a Center for Successful Aging (CSA). Beacon Hill strives to curate sophisticated senior lifestyles that promote healthy aging throughout the year.
How Beacon Hill Promotes a Healthy Summertime
- Onsite healthcare services
- Modified fitness classes and outdoor activities
- Healthy and hydrating summer dishes prepared by award-winning chefs
- Air-conditioned apartments, lobbies and activity rooms to help residents stay cool
Contact us to schedule a tour and see for yourself what life at Beacon Hill is really like.
