After the week we’ve all just had, we thought it was fitting to share 8 great summer tips for seniors.
It’s mad, we wait all year long for a spot of sun but when it comes we need to retreat back indoors to keep calm and cool. Being able to keep your cool in the warm weather is important, especially for the elderly. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating our temperature. This means that seniors sweat less than younger adults and our sweat is the bodies way of regulating temperature.
It is because of this that the hot summer months can be risky for seniors and it’s important to prepare and stay safe. Below are 8 great tips to help keep seniors safe this summer. Don’t forget to comment below if you have any other great tips.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to keep yourself hydrated. The recommended daily allowance is 8 glasses of water per day to stay healthy and hydrated. Fell free to mix it up, whether it be water, fruit juice or even your favourite cuppa.
Remember, if you are out in the sun longer or have taken up a new activity you will need to increase your intake of water to keep up with hydration. A great idea to help remind you about keeping hydrated is the Droplet.
Dress for the Weather
Whether you’re a fashionista or not, summer time is the perfect time for loose linens and bright breathable clothing. It’s time to unpack the sandals and break out the cami tops. Natural fabrics like cotton are great to help keep you cool while bright colours reflect the sun.
Keep Cool
The American’s are more for having their air conditioners in the home, here in the UK not so much. To help stay cool, we have our trusty fans, ice cream, a cold foot bath or even the paddling pool in the garden. What ever way you like to cool down, make sure they are always close by this summer.
Here’s a trick, to help cool down fast, run the cold tap over the inside of your wrists for 30 seconds. This is a pulse point and it can help you regulate your bodies temperature and stay cool.
Know Your Medications
As with all medication, there are some side effects. Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun and ultraviolet rays so make sure to read up on your medication before leaving the house. If you are worried or unsure, talk to your doctor.
Always Have Your Phone On You
It’s important to always keep your mobile phone or even your house phone on your while at home alone. Should you feel ill, faint or even have an accident you are only a tap or a few buttons away from getting help.
During the summer, many can forget to pace themselves, keep cool and hydrate and this can cause people to feel unwell so make sure to keep a phone on you at all times.
Know the Forecast
You should always stay indoors during extreme heat. this reduced your exposure to harmful rays as well as overheating and risking heat stroke. Before planning your day or even your week, check in with the weather forecast so you know when will be the best and more comfortable time to head out.
Protect Your Skin
Did you know that it is recommended that we wear sun cream every day or at least use a moisturizer with SPF in it?
Well, there are plenty who don’t but around this time of year it’s important to remember. When you go outside, protect your skin from damage by wearing a hat, sunglasses and sun cream with an SPF of 30 or higher. This helps protect your skin against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Early Bird or Night Owl?
The sun is usually at its highest and hottest between 12pm and 4pm. This is why, if you must go outside on any given day that either do so early in the morning like the early bird or in the evening like the night owl. These are safer times to leave the house.
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