Tips for Active Adults to Stay Safe in Summer
When the temperature rises, there’s an increased risk to 55+ health. Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses because they tend to have trouble adjusting to sudden temperature changes, are more likely to have a medical condition that impacts the body’s response to heat, or take medication that disrupts the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Because of all of these factors, it’s important for them to be especially cautious. How can active adults stay safe in the summer heat? Here are some tips to follow when it’s hot outside.
If you have an older loved one and are concerned about the risk of a heat emergency:
- Visit twice a day to note signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These include dizziness, confusion, thirst, nausea, weakness, and heavy sweating.
- Encourage your loved ones to use air conditioning if they have it or relocate to an air conditioned location if they do not. The Council on Aging’s resource directory offers a list of cooling centers where people can go to get cool. Alternately, make sure your loved ones are using fans and keeping the windows open.
- Make sure your loved one is drinking enough water. If the person is on diuretics or has been advised by a doctor to limit fluids, talk to the doctor and ask about fluid intake during hot weather.
If you are an older adult, protect yourself from heat-related illness by taking these preventive measures:
- Stay hydrated. Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages, making sure they are not too cold, because that can cause cramping. If your doctor has advised you to limit fluids, ask how much to drink when it’s hot outside.
- Rest. Take a nap, or consider relaxing in a cool shower or bath.
- Keep cool. Stay in the air conditioning, if possible, either running your air conditioning at home or visiting somewhere air-conditioned, like a shopping mall, library, or cooling center. If you need to find a cooling center, check the COA’s Resource Directory.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight clothing to avoid overheating.
- Stay inside and relax. Remaining indoors is especially important during the hottest times of day, but even when it cools down a little bit, steer clear of any strenuous activities.
Following these guidelines is an important part of staying healthy when it’s hot outside. When you’re ready to find a luxurious active adult community where a healthy lifestyle is prioritized, consider Larkspur at Creekside. A family-owned and managed 55-plus community, we offer resort-style apartments and cottages in New Braunfels, Texas, with an emphasis on active living. We give our residents the chance to transition from the responsibilities and burdens of home ownership to a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, full of new friends, new activities, and new adventures. To learn more about life at Larkspur at Creekside, call 830-625-2277, or contact us through our website.