Everyone needs to practice proper heat safety during the hot summer months, but seniors are especially vulnerable and thus must take extra precautions. If you plan ahead, listen to what your body is telling you, and make smart decisions, you can have a fun, activity-filled summer and stay safe from the elements. Here are some tips.
Stay hydrated
The number one way for seniors to protect themselves from the heat is to stay hydrated at all times. If you begin to feel thirsty, you’re already experiencing mild dehydration. It’s vital that you carry a water bottle with you at all times during the summer and drink from it consistently – even if you’re not feeling particularly thirsty. Water is your best bet for good hydration, but tea, milk, juices, and even high-water content vegetables and fruits can all help. You should try to limit your alcohol consumption if you can, as it has a severe dehydrating effect. Check out these extra tips on how to stay hydrated.
Take note of the heat index
The degrees on the thermometer aren’t the only reading you should pay attention to. You should note the heat index when deciding how to prepare for your outdoor time. The heat index factors in both the temperature and the humidity to give you an idea of what the heat will actually feel like outside. The heat index is often presented as “Feels Like x.”
Seek out air conditioning breaks
Hopefully your home has a good A/C unit so you have a place to stay when it’s really hot. But if you’re out and about in the middle of summer activities, you may be far away from your home. You should seek air conditioning breaks every hour or so to cool your body down and prevent you from succumbing to heat exhaustion, or more seriously – heat stroke. Pop in a store, restaurant, or movie theater for a few minutes for a brief respite.
Always carry cooling devices
There are plenty of ways to cool yourself when outdoors. Battery-powered fans are a good option – ones that also have a misting element are better. You can bring a rag or towel with you, wet it periodically, and place it on your head and neck. As it evaporates, it will cool you. Regular towels will work ok, but you should probably invest in a specialty cooling towel, which are inexpensive and extremely effective.
Just stay inside when it’s super hot
All the preparation in the world isn’t going to help you if it’s hot as blazes outside. On these incredibly hot and humid days, you should make the decision to stay inside and postpone your activities to a cooler day. If you have outdoor responsibilities, consider having someone do them for you. Seniors who are active and participate in activities like dog walking are healthier on the whole, but it’s counterproductive to do these sorts of things in extreme heat. If you need something done in your yard, for instance, like mowing the lawn, consider asking a friend, family member, or neighbor. If you need something delivered to your home or you need to take something somewhere, consider using an app like Postmates to hire a courier.
As a senior, you may worry that summer activities are too dangerous. You should listen to your body, of course, and never push it to extremes. But on the whole, you can enjoy summer activities if you prepare and follow some simple heat safety tips.
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