As the summer months approach, it’s important to remember that seniors have unique safety concerns during this time of year. With the heat, sun exposure, and increased outdoor activity, seniors need to take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips for senior summer safety:

Stay hydrated

One of the most important things seniors can do during the summer is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. They should also avoid sugary drinks, as these can dehydrate the body.

Protect your skin

Seniors are more susceptible to skin damage from the sun, which can increase their risk of skin cancer. Seniors need to wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it frequently. They should also wear hats and protective clothing to keep their skin covered and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.

Stay cool

Seniors are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To prevent these conditions, seniors should stay cool during hot weather. They should stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, or at least limit their time outdoors. They should also use fans or air conditioning to stay cool at home.

Stay active

While it’s important for seniors to stay cool during the summer, it’s also important for them to stay active. Regular exercise can help seniors maintain their strength and balance, which can reduce their risk of falls. Seniors should try to exercise in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside. They should also drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Do indoor exercises if it is too hot out. Chair exercise are a great way to stay strong. They strengthen the muscles in your thighs and buttocks. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-ChairRiseEx-508.pdf

Swimming is a popular summer activity, but seniors need to be cautious in the water. They should never swim alone, and they should always have someone nearby who can help if needed. Seniors should also avoid diving, as this can lead to serious injuries, especially if they have osteoporosis. Swimming is great for cooling off in the hot summer months, and it is also a great way to exercise.

Protect your eyes

Seniors are at a higher risk for eye problems, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Seniors need to protect their eyes from the sun, which can contribute to these conditions. Seniors should wear sunglasses with UV protection, and they should avoid looking directly at the sun. Wearing the right hat not only protects your skin, but your eyes as well.

Be prepared for emergencies

Finally, seniors should be prepared for emergencies during the summer months. They should have a first aid kit on hand, as well as a list of emergency contacts. Seniors should also have a plan in place in case of a power outage or other emergency. Hurricane season starts June 1. Follow all storm-related news, and heed city and county warnings. If you have assistance at home, make sure that the company providing the care has an emergency plan. The emergency plan should state what your wishes are in the event of a storm. Can you stay home? Will you go to a shelter, if so which one? Would you rather go to a friend’s or a loved one’s house?

If you own a car, it is recommend to keep your gas tank 1/2 full during hurricane season. If a storm does come, lines at the gas station will be very long, there could be a shortage of gas after the storm passes, and if evacuation is necessary, you will have some gas to get moving.

Seniors have unique safety concerns during the summer months. By following these tips, seniors can stay safe and healthy while enjoying all that summer has to offer. Remember to stay hydrated, protect your skin and eyes, stay cool, stay active, be cautious in the water, and be prepared for emergencies. With these precautions, seniors can make the most of their summer and stay safe and healthy.