5 Summer Outdoor Safety Tips for the Elderly

As we approach summer again, it’s time to make sure that you can enjoy the outdoors safely. The outdoors can be a great retreat from staying indoors all the time, but it’s critical to take safety precautions for a number of reasons, especially in this time of COVID-19. Studies have indicated that the virus spreads less in the turbulent outdoor air than indoor environments, so it may be a welcome break to visit with family outdoors—but still at a safe physical distance, and, if possible, with masks. Please check with your doctor about your particular health condition and mask wearing, as it can be complicated for seniors with certain health conditions. In those cases, family and friends without health problems should still wear masks to protect their elderly loved ones. Follow this and these other summer safety tips and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can! And, as always, please contact At Home Personal Care at (703) 330-2323 for any questions about home care, skilled nursing care and senior healthcare issues.

1. Stay Hydrated the Right Way

Our elderly loved ones especially need to keep a cool water bottle handy on hot days as their bodies don’t maintain moisture levels as efficiently as they used to. This makes dehydration a real danger. Staying hydrated may also require an electrolyte solution, depending on your individual needs. So, talk with your doctor about the right amount of water you need to stay healthy each day, especially during the summer when you may need more.

2. Prevent Overheating

Heat stress can quickly turn into heat stroke for senior citizens. While it’s great to be outside as much as you can, be sure to follow these tips for avoiding the hottest part of the day and staying as cool as you can:

• Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., usually the time of day when heat is on the rise.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible as it can be several degrees cooler there than in direct sunlight.
• Wear light, cool, loose-fitting clothing and a breathable, wide-brimmed hat.
• If you exercise outdoors, be sure to do it early in the morning before the heat comes on, or find a safe indoor workout to enjoy at home. Remember, always ask your doctor about workouts first!

3. Ask Your Doctor about Sunscreen and Bug Repellent

Senior skin can be sensitive to certain chemicals, and in some cases, medications can cause complications when wearing sunscreen or insect repellent. But if you plan to spend any time outdoors, it’s important to factor in both. Talk with your doctor about effective sunscreens and bug repellents that are sensitive-skin friendly.

4. Stay Social, Even if at a Distance

It’s more important than ever to actively keep in touch with our loved ones as often as possible. Whether we can visit happily at a 6-foot distance, or we need to do our visits virtually, staying socially connected is critical to mental and emotional health. Use whatever means your senior loved ones feel most comfortable with: Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, paper letters, phone calls, etc.

5. Eat Healthy and Get Plenty of Sleep

This is an all-year piece of good advice that will improve the immune system and boost energy for summer fun. Stick to the nutritional advice your doctor has given you time and time again, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables that provide a lot of important vitamins and minerals.Again, stay hydrated and make sure to get the right amount of sleep.

All of us from At Home Personal Care want to wish you a very happy, safe and healthy summer! Please reach out to us at (703) 330-2323 for more health and safety tips from our senior healthcare team.