Staying Safe This Summer

Summer is definitely here for us here in Ohio, and with heat indexes having hit over 100 degrees, staying safe has never been more important for senior adults. Because of chronic health conditions, aging-related physical changes, and the effects of medications, older adults are at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to help seniors be proactive and stay safe in the Ohio summer heat.

Tip #1 Avoid Direct Heat Exposure

This one sounds simple enough. Senior adults should avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. On days of excessive heat, plan to stay indoors, and enjoy outdoor activities either early in the morning or later in the evening.

Tip #2 Stay Hydrated

We hear it often, but staying hydrated during the summer months is extremely important for preventing heat-related illnesses, especially dehydration. Senior adults should always drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause you to lose water. The faster the body loses water the faster older adults can become dehydrated.

Tip #3 Sunscreen Up

As we age, our skin becomes much more susceptible to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Before going outdoors, senior adults should lather up in a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Be sure to cover all areas that will be exposed.

Tip #4 Dress to Sweat Less

This one is a no-brainer. Senior adults should wear loose, light-colored clothes and, if possible, avoid dark-colored clothes. Darker colors such as black absorb sunlight and heat. This simple wardrobe change will help older adults stay cooler.

Tip #5 Air-conditioning Is Your Friend

Okay, so who else was scared of the mean old air conditioning unit from the Brave Little Toaster? However, for the senior adult community, it is encouraged to spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. Many senior living communities provide excellent indoor activities for staying out of the sun and in the cool of the a/c.

If you feel it is time to for you or your loved one to move into a senior living community, turn to The Ohio Masonic Home for expert senior living. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. For more information schedule a tour at one of the scenic, vibrant communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about excellent senior living solutions.