Can you believe that the summertime is almost here? On Friday, June 20th, we can officially welcome the return of the summer season! As you know, summer in Calgary and across Alberta is a time many people look forward to. The longer days and warm weather make it easier to enjoy the outdoors, visit family or tend to the garden. But for older adults, summer also brings a unique set of challenges that can affect health, safety and quality of life.
What are the biggest summer-related issues that older adults face? Which practical steps can best help you or your loved ones to stay safe and comfortable all throughout this summer?
Ward off heat-related illnesses.
It goes without saying that summer is the hottest season of the year. For seniors, it’s vital to understand that aging makes it’s harder to regulate body temperature. As a result, older adults find themselves more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dehydration, certain medications and chronic health conditions can also make matters worse.
Be on vigilant lookout for the signs of heat-related illnesses. They include dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. If you begin to experience dry, hot skin, that can be a sign of heat stroke. Excessive sweating could be an indicator of heat exhaustion.
First things first, it’s imperative to stay hydrated all summer long. Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. As well, avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate you. Secondly, use fans and air conditioning. It’s important to ensure that your living space remains cool. Consider installing portable or window AC units, especially in upper floors or sun-exposed rooms. As well, dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to help regulate your body temperature.
Protect against sunburn and sun damage.
Needless to say, most of us find ourselves exposing more of our skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays during the summer. Can you blame us? Especially on particularly warm days, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts and bikinis are the norm. Seniors, however, need to be aware that they have more fragile skin than their younger counterparts. It is more susceptible to sunburn and long-term sun damage, including skin cancers.
Step #1: Use sunscreen. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every time you go outside, even on cloudy days. Secondly, wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection. Protecting your eyes is huge part of avoiding sun damage. Also, try to stay indoors during peak heat hours. That’s usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Finally, seek the shade when you are outside. Stay under umbrellas, trees or covered patios when outdoors.
“You can also find how much UV exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule,” informs MyHealth.Alberta.ca, “If your shadow is longer than you, then UV exposure is low. If your shadow is shorter than you, then UV exposure is high.”
Manage your allergies.
Alberta summers can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems. Both wildfire smoke and high pollen levels are becoming more and more common each year. These issues can seriously affect seniors who have respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. It’s important to monitor the air quality in your part of town throughout the summer season. Use Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index to track real-time conditions.
“The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps you understand what the air quality around you means to your health,” explains the website, “The AQHI is a tool that relates the air quality outside to your health, using a scale from 1 to 10. The lower the number, the lower the risk.”
Of course, it’s smart to stay indoors on bad air days. You should also keep the windows closed and use air purifiers with HEPA filters on such occasions. Finally, don’t hesitate to pull out those protective masks. On particularly smoky days, wear a properly fitted N95 mask. It offers the best protection if going outdoors is necessary.
Minimize isolation and loneliness.
It’s imperative we don’t forget that physical challenges aren’t the only ones faced by our elderly loved ones. Remembering to cater to the emotional and mental needs of seniors is just as important. You see, many family members take vacations during the summer. This can unintentionally leave seniors feeling isolated, especially if they don’t drive or have difficulty getting around.
This summer, make it a point to schedule regular visits or check-ins. Arrange for family, friends or caregivers to drop by or call often. You should also look to grow your community involvement. Many community centres and senior programs offer summer events like picnics, walking clubs and low-impact fitness classes.
“Loneliness is so dangerous to the health of our seniors, that one study found evidence that being socially isolated is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day — in terms of increasing one’s chances for an early death,” alerts Unison Alberta.
Eliminate the risk of falls.
The summertime generally means spending a lot more time outdoors. That means encountering uneven terrains, cracks in the pavement and slippery surfaces after rainfalls. The first step (pun intended) to reducing the risks of slipping and falling is wearing proper footwear. Choose sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid flip-flops or sandals that lack support.
You should also inspect your home’s outdoor spaces. A simple day of relaxation in the backyard can be dangerous if you have uneven paving stones or loose railings. It’s a good idea to apply non-slip coatings to your decks and steps.
Does your elderly loved one use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair? If so, it’s vital to have a wheelchair ramp installed outside the home, if you haven’t already. Grab bars near entrances and the inclusion of canes and crutches in the home will significantly improve stability. If you’re unsure which mobility aids would suit your loved one’s needs, our team at Advantage Home Health Solutions can help assess your home for safer mobility solutions.
We’re here to help you or your loved one navigate summer safely. Our goal is to help seniors maintain independence and peace of mind all year round. Please don’t hesitate to give Advantage Home Health Solutions a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
