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What Outdoor Elements Could Pose Risks To Seniors During The Spring?

As the winter months begin to fade away and the weather starts to warm up, the spring season brings with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. For many seniors, this means taking advantage of the fresh air and sunshine by spending more time outdoors. Officially, the spring season arrives on March 20th. It’s an exciting time of year! However, as much as the springtime offers opportunities for enjoyment, it can also present dangers for the elderly.

Older adults who have mobility issues are particularly at risk. What outdoor elements could pose risks to seniors during the spring? How can electric mobility scooters provide safer experiences?

Slippery surfaces.

Spring showers can make outdoor surfaces slick and dangerous, particularly for seniors with mobility issues. Wet leaves, mud and standing water can make walking treacherous. Even a slight misstep could result in a painful fall. A mobility scooter with good traction can easily handle wet or slippery surfaces, providing a safe and secure means of mobility even in inclement weather.

“Every year, one in three Canadian seniors will fall at least once,” informs Right At Home Canada, “Hip fractures are the most common type of fall injury among seniors, and about 20 percent of injury-related deaths among seniors can be traced back to a fall.  Weakened balance, vision and physical strength affect an elderly person’s ability to stay on his/her feet, so regular medication reviews, and eyesight and overall health exams are essential.”

Allergies.

Springtime also brings with it the seasonal allergies. They can make outdoor activities uncomfortable or even dangerous for seniors. Pollen and other allergens can trigger respiratory issues, leading to coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. An electric mobility scooter provides a comfortable and safe way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air without putting seniors at risk of respiratory distress.

Sun exposure.

While getting outside and enjoying the sunshine can be beneficial for seniors, too much exposure to the sun can be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to sunburn, skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. A mobility scooter with a canopy or sunshade can provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays, allowing seniors to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

“Many people aged 60 or older face a high risk for developing skin cancer,” reports the Canadian Dermatology Association, “If you are in this age group, you grew up in a time when little was known about how too much sun could cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. The truth is that it is never too late for sun protection. By protecting your skin from too much sun you can help prevent the onset of skin cancer and more sun damage to the skin.”

Dehydration.

As the weather warms up, it’s important to stay hydrated. This is especially true for seniors who may be more susceptible to dehydration. Prolonged exposure to the sun and outdoor activities can lead to fluid loss and put seniors at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. An electric mobility scooter with a storage compartment can carry water bottles or other fluids. This allows seniors to stay hydrated while enjoying the outdoors.

“Elderly adults are among the most at risk groups for dehydration, one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after age 65,” explains Comfort Keepers, “Because of the potentially serious consequences of this condition to seniors, as a caregiver it’s important to recognize the causes and symptoms of dehydration as well as how you can help your loved one stay properly hydrated.”

Insects and other wildlife.

Spring is also the season when insects and other wildlife begin to emerge from hibernation. This can present a danger for seniors with allergies or other health issues. Mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects can transmit diseases. As well, encounters with snakes, rodents or other animals can result in injury or illness. A mobility scooter allows seniors to navigate outdoor spaces safely and avoid potential encounters with wildlife.

Uneven terrain.

During the winter months, the ground can become uneven and damaged due to snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles. As the weather warms up, this damage can become more apparent, with potholes, cracks and uneven pavement posing a risk for falls and injuries. Seniors, whose sense of balance may not be as sharp as it once was, are especially vulnerable to these hazards. An electric mobility scooter provides a stable and secure platform that can navigate these obstacles with ease, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

“Stay aware of uneven terrain and slippery surfaces,” warns Right At Home Canada, “Watch for holes, tree roots and ice. Check the height of curbs and steps before stepping up on them or down from them. Curbs with inclines or cutaways for bicycles can be misleading.”

A mobility scooter is an ideal solution for seniors who want to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. With its stable platform, good traction, and protective features, a mobility scooter can navigate uneven terrain, slick surfaces, and other outdoor hazards with ease. Additionally, a mobility scooter can provide a comfortable and safe means of transportation for seniors with respiratory issues, allergies, or other health concerns.

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we stock a wide variety of electric mobility scooters.

Medical scooters are a perfect solution for excursions to the park, getting groceries or visiting friends and family. We have 4 wheel scooters and 3 wheel electric mobility scooter models available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. There are also travel scooters that disassemble or fold for storage and travel. We also carry mid-sized multi-use scooters and large, more robust scooters that can effectively handle more challenging terrain.

The Advantage Home Health Solutions team always ensures that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!

Other Useful Information

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

Regularly addressing the needs of the older adults in our community, our team is adamant about keeping seniors safe all year round. A major reason is because falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. This week we look at ways to bolster strength and balance.