Finally, the warm weather is here, and there’s nothing better than spending time outside. It’s perfect for family BBQs, pool parties, and outside cooking. However, many seniors forget about safety precautions when it comes to the outside. It is easy to get confused about what each piece of equipment does and how it impacts you and your loved ones.

Seniors are unaware of heat-related illnesses and their symptoms, so they must be extra cautious. It is essential to keep the seniors out of direct sunlight for long periods of time while still letting them enjoy the outdoors.

Luckily, there are various ways to ensure your loved one is safe and healthy while still having a great time outside this summer. We’ve compiled a list of tips for staying safe this summer.

#1 SUN SAFETY

Sun safety is the most crucial factor when keeping a senior safe from the heat. While enjoying the summer weather, it is important to keep sun-safe practices in mind. It’s important to be extra cautious around pools and beaches. UV rays are much stronger and last longer when in a pool or beach, so you need to take extra precautions.

1. Protect Your Eyes

When you’re outside, be sure to wear eye protection. Sunglasses are one of the most common forms of eye protection in stores and online. The senior may also have prescription glasses that they can wear. Not only will these protect their eyes from the sun and UV rays, but they will reduce glare as well.

2. Cover Your Skin

When you are going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time, you should protect your skin. It is best to protect your skin by covering it up with clothing. The clothing must cover the skin to prevent harmful UV rays from reaching it. Certain fabrics protect the skin from the sun’s rays, such as a cotton blend or other synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene.

3. Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is often overlooked as a way to protect your skin from sun damage, but it is one of the most effective ways. Excessive heat is fatal for everyone, especially for Seniors. Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is highly recommended for when you will be in the sun for an extended period of time. Be sure to take extra precautions if you have had skin cancer or an illness in the past.

4. Seek Shade

Seniors should try and find shade as much as possible when outside. Nothing is worse than being in the sun all day, especially if they have health conditions like heart problems or diabetes. They should also avoid strenuous activity when the sun is out. This will help them prevent heat exhaustion and other common heat-related illnesses.

5. Be Aware of Heat-Related Illnesses

There are several heat-related illnesses that you will want to look out for. These three most common are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is a mild form of overheating and is the most common. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headache, and a weak pulse. If you or your loved one feel any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area so they can rest.

Heat cramps are similar to heat exhaustion symptoms but are much more severe and can sometimes lead to death. Symptoms of heat cramps include muscle pain, cold and clammy skin, and weakness. Moving them to a cooler area will help ease the pain.

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that should always be taken seriously. When you or a loved one experiences heat exhaustion, your body temperature is likely to be high, your pulse rate fast (over 100 beats per minute), and heavy sweating.

#2 WATER SAFETY

Water is an excellent place to cool off during the hot summer months. However, some safety precautions need to be taken as well as special considerations.

1. Pay Attention to Swimming Conditions

When you first enter the water, pay attention to the conditions. If it seems a little rough, choose another time to swim or wait it out. When people get in the water, they often don’t realize how difficult it can be until they are already in trouble. The waves and currents can be extreme even though they may look calm on the surface.

2. Wear the Right Gear

When you jump in the water, make sure that you have the right gear. This means you need a wetsuit if you plan on getting in any deeper than waist-deep. However, ensure that this is part of your swimming activities and not something people use to go for a dip.

3. Arrive early or stay late

The summer heat can be hazardous for seniors if you’re outside. This is because their bodies cannot control their internal temperature and others.

It’s best to go out and about during the day early in the morning or early evening. Limit your outdoor activities since the sun’s heat is the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

#3 FOOD AND DRINKS SAFETY

Summer is a wonderful time for the family to enjoy the outdoors with barbecues and other outdoor activities. It can be easy to forget meals when everyone is having a great time. Here are some tips to keep seniors safe and healthy without too much effort.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Always have plenty of water on hand. To stay healthy, you should start drinking water as soon as you wake up and drink throughout the day. Water is essential for your body’s metabolism. When the sun is beating down outside, drink more water than usual to stay hydrated.

Some drinks that are good for Seniors to drink during the summer include:

Sports Drinks- these are full of electrolytes and other nutrients to help you stay hydrated.
Fruit Juice- this is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Make sure you choose 100% juice. This means no added sugar or other artificial ingredients.
Bottled Water- this is another great source of water. Try to buy drinks without artificial flavors or colors, as they usually contain a lot of sugar.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

Seniors always need to eat healthily, which is especially important during hot summer. The best choices are foods that will help you stay cool and maintain a suitable body temperature.

Eating meals that have a good amount of protein and a small amount of fat will help you stay fit. Foods like lean beef, seafood, tofu, soy products, and eggs are great protein sources. Try to avoid high-fat foods during the hot weather, such as fried foods and fatty meats.

#4 OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SAFETY

Outdoor activity is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active and feel good about their fitness. For some people, this may seem like a simple task. But there are some things you should pay attention to when enjoying the nice weather.

1. Be Sure the Equipment Works

Make sure that all of your outdoor equipment is in top shape. This includes your skis, snowboard, bike, or other equipment.

2. Be Responsible

Always be able to control your equipment and keep an eye on it. This means you will want to take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. If you’re going off a jump or doing something else risky, don’t be afraid to wear protective gear. Ensure that you can carry out any task you are attempting.

3. Be Aware of Surroundings

Always be sure to plan what you will do before you get going. Formulate a plan of what you will do with your trip, and then stick with it. If you aren’t sure where you are going or what to expect, this is a good time to leave the trip up to someone else. Also, have an emergency kit with all the necessities in case something happens.

#5 TRAVEL SAFETY

Traveling with the family can be a lot of fun in the summer. You will want to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable during their trip. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe and relaxed.

1. Evaluate Health

Make sure that everyone in the family is healthy and up to date on their vaccinations before the trip. You may want to consider getting everyone’s flu shots before you leave. If you are traveling by car, make sure that your tires are in good working order and that your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and adequate tire pressure.

2. Be a Good Driver

Driving in the summer can be dangerous. It is essential always to be aware of what’s happening around you. It is best to go early or late at night to avoid the worst traffic and heat of the day. If possible, find a route that takes you through shady areas that are closer to the water if you must travel during the day.

3. Pack Right

When packing for your trip, make sure that you choose appropriate clothing for each person traveling with you. Most people don’t realize how much they sweat each day. If you’re going to be in a hot environment, ensure you have the proper clothing and shoes to stay cool. This includes a hat and Sunscreen for the entire family.

Final Thoughts

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy everything the season offers. You will want to be extra careful to keep yourself safe. This includes keeping track of food and drinks. Be sure to know who is going on the trip and make sure that everyone’s health is in good shape.

Need assistance finding a good summer destination or planning your trip with Seniors in mind? Serenity Senior Care has a team of Specialists who know how to make your next summer vacation safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for all.

We provide short-term- and long-term care to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of while away.

Call us today to learn more about our comprehensive range of services!

All the Summer Safety Tips for Seniors You’ll Ever Need