6 Sun-Safe Tips For Seniors
Summer is here and that means plenty of opportunities to get out and about, enjoy the warm weather and get involved in the many great seasonal community events! Just be sure to follow these tips from assisted living experts in South Jersey for staying safe in the heat:
- Stay hydrated. It’s very easy to become dehydrated in this heat, especially as you age. Because your body stops retaining water as well as it used to, and it’s more difficult to pick up thirst signals, it’s always good to have an extra few glasses of water throughout the day. Remember to pack water for any long summer drives and try to include a sweat replacement product (these contain essential salts and potassium) in your diet if you are feeling dehydrated.
- Medical conditions and hot weather. Certain chronic medical conditions can be aggravated by the heat, so stay aware of your body temperature and possible worsening of symptoms. Try to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and, if you find yourself feeling too hot while on an outing, spend a few hours in a cool location to restore yourself. Grocery stores, cinemas and libraries are all great places to stop and cool off.
- Keep your medications cool. Heat can damage your medications, so be sure to keep them in dark, cool locations (room temperature is fine) and off sunny shelves.
- Protect your eyes. Protecting your eyes is essential. As we age, we become more and more vulnerable to eye conditions that lead to vision loss, as the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays can make many of these conditions much worse, it’s important to wear sunglasses that offer 99-100% certified protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Protect your skin. Your skin can become more vulnerable to damage as you age. Wear a good sunblock of 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or more when you are outdoors. Light, loose-fitting clothing and hats will also help you keep cool and protected from the sun.
- Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke can happen quickly, and knowing the symptoms can help keep you and other seniors safe from a potentially fatal condition. Signs to watch for include flushed face, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness, and confusion. Contact a nurse as soon as possible, drink cool water and sit down out of the heat, if possible.
Assisted living services for independent seniors in South Jersey
United Methodist Communities at The Shores, prioritizes quality of life – allowing seniors to enjoy their community, friends and social activities while we manage their tasks of day-to-day living. With comfortable, open-plan apartments, a lively community spirit and an events calendar filled with activities, we offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to assisted living, our senior communities also offer comprehensive hospice services and respite care, and are fully able to serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
For more information on The Shores and our senior communities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.
