With June officially underway, Canadians can finally get excited about the start of summer. On the 21st of the month, the warm and sunny season officially gets underway. Depending on where you are in Canada, you may already be experiencing summer-like temperatures. For most of us, heat is a welcome change of pace. However, for older adults and seniors, warm temperatures can bring about some ill health effects. Needless to say, it’s important for seniors to keep cool.
Here are three ways for seniors to cool down all throughout summer:
1. Dress appropriately for the heat.
Don’t assume that tank tops and short sleeves should be your go-to attire for the summertime. In many cases, you’ll be better off wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats. The latter garments help to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This helps to avoid sunburn. It’s also important to wear light colours. Have you ever worn black during a particularly hot day? Dark colours absorb more light and therefore are radiators of heat. Avoid them!
“On hot days, it’s important that sweat can evaporate so that the body can efficiently cool itself,” says Chartwell.com, “Wear loose clothing that is made from light, breathable fabric and that is white or light-coloured.”
2. Seek refuge in air conditioned areas.
Like most people, you may want to soak up as much of the sun as you can during the summer. While enjoying the great outdoors is likely on your summertime to-do list, be sure to find ways to get out of the sun when necessary. For seniors, it’s particularly important to be near locations where air conditioning is available. Getting out of the heat in a pinch is a vital way to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related health conditions.
“If you don’t have air-conditioning in your home, go somewhere that does,” insists Pennsylvania’s Garden Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, “A movie theatre, the mall, a friend or family member’s home or a community senior center are all good options.”
3. Be sure to keep hydrated.
Drink water…and lots of it! One of the best ways to beat the heat all summer long is to make sure you have a water bottle with you at all times. Dehydration is a particular concern for older adults as they are more susceptible to heat stroke than their younger counterparts. Kara Gavin of Michigan Medicine recommends that, on hot days, seniors drink more water than they think they need.
“People in their 60s and older already face a higher risk of dehydration in general, and hot weather can make it even worse,” she informs, “Not having enough water in your system can lead to feeling faint and nauseous, which can lead to dizziness and falls.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we’re committed to helping seniors enjoy their summers. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help with that. To learn all about our mobility devices and home accessibility renovations, call us at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
