How Seniors Can Enjoy Warm Weather Safely

Summers in the South can be dazzling… breathtaking blue skies, bright sunny days, warm breezy evenings. After a springtime filled with thunderstorms and pollen, it can be tempting to head outdoors as soon as the seasons change.

But summer also brings high temperatures, long hours of daylight, and the potential for excessive heat and sun exposure. That’s why it’s especially important for seniors to take precautions to avoid these possible risks. Here are a few tips to make enjoying this summer a little safer:

Stay hydrated – Maintaining a healthy level of water consumption is always beneficial for good health, but it’s particularly important during warmer weather. As temperatures rise, your body loses more fluids through sweating to regulate temperature, making it essential to replenish those fluids. Dehydration can lead to various health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke in extreme heat, so increasing fluids in summer is always a good idea.

Plan to be outside during the cooler parts of the day – Even the hottest days can offer milder temperatures in the early morning or evening hours. If you’re a morning person, this can be the ideal time to get in a neighborhood walk or bike ride. Early evening hours still offer plenty of daylight for exercise or just to get some fresh air—without sweltering temps to contend with.

Always use sunblock – No matter when you plan to be outside, always be sure to protect your skin from potential sun damage. Use high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed skin – don’t forget your ears and even the top of your head – and wear a hat when possible. You’ll also want to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. And remember, sun damage is possible even on days that are cloudy or overcast.

Watch for signs of heat-related illnesses – Overexposure to heat can have significant and potentially dangerous effects, particularly on seniors. If you must be outside during peak summer hours, be mindful of possible heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

can become life-threatening if left untreated, so it’s important to know the causes and symptoms:

	Heat Exhaustion	Heat Stroke
Causes	Prolonged heat exposure or strenuous activity.	Extreme heat or humidity.
Symptoms	Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and a rapid but weak pulse.	Body temperature above 104°F (40°C), dry skin, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and a rapid, strong pulse.
Treatment	Move to a cooler area, hydrate with water or sports drinks, and cool down with cool showers or compresses.	Seek immediate medical attention, take measures like ice packs and cool water.
Progression	If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.	Heat stroke can cause organ damage and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Take advantage of indoor activities – During the hottest part of the day, make plans for indoor activities whenever possible. Engage in solo activities like reading, doing a puzzle or watching a movie. Or invite friends to play cards, share a crafting activity or just chat. If your schedule typically includes midday exercise, take advantage of an indoor treadmill or other gym equipment rather than outdoor activities. These are also great alternatives for those oh-so-frequent summer showers, too.

If you or a loved one find it challenging to stay well-hydrated, active and safe during warmer weather, a transition to assisted living may be the solution, offering community activities and medical guidance and oversight. Tuscaloosa’s Crimson Village offers dietician-planned meals, group activities designed to maintain and increase physical activity and build community and access to a full-time medical staff, making it much easier to maintain or improve overall health and quality of life.

Learn more about Crimson Village and the available amenities, floor plans, and medical support options by visiting by contacting our dedicated team members by email at marketing@crimsonvillage.com or by phone at 205-632-6699 to discuss your specific needs.