June is here! For most Canadians, this is a very joyous time of year. This month marks the beginning of summer. Although summertime doesn’t officially get underway until the 21st, many people have already made plans to enjoy the hot and sunny season. For families that include seniors, it’s vital to ensure that those plans include safety measures. Needless to say, the hot summer temperatures can present some health issues that the elderly should be protected from.
Let’s take a look at how to keep seniors cool during the hot summer months.
Be on the lookout for extreme heat warnings.
Days with extreme heat tend to come up here and there over the summer. Be sure to start each day with a check of the day’s highs and lows. Extreme heat warnings are often announced in advance of the days when they will occur. For seniors, it’s pretty important to avoid the outdoors on days that are particularly hot. Pennsylvania’s Garden Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center explains why.
“In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation slows down and the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature,” their website informs, “Keep in mind, the sun is the most intense between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and the evening.”
Stay indoors when it’s too hot outside.
Perhaps belonging in the “no brainer” column is this tip about avoiding extreme heat. The simplest way to do so is to stay inside an air conditioned facility. If your home isn’t equipped with A/C, there is certainly no time to waste. Install an air conditioner as soon as possible. As Chartwell.com points out, there are many ways to beat the heat while staying inside.
“Draw the blinds or close the curtain in your home to block the sun’s rays,” advises the website, “Do not do physical activity outside in very hot weather. Instead, maximize your time spent in air conditioned areas. If you have fans, make sure they are directed toward you. Health Canada recommends taking cool showers or baths to help you feel refreshed throughout the day.”
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Dressing for the summer isn’t as easy as you may think. You may not necessarily want to wear tank tops and shorts on a hot summer day if you’re a senior. Doing so gives the sun an opportunity to send its harmful UV rays directly to your skin. Avoiding sunburn and heat stroke can come by way of wearing wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting long sleeves.
“The best clothing to wear in the summertime is loose-fitting and lightweight clothes in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton,” explains Garden Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, “Dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.”
The LifeCare Mobility Solutions team is committed to the health and safety of your elderly loved ones during the summer and all year round. If you have any questions about the products we offer that can help in that regard, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
Be sure to ask us about our scooters and walkers that can assist seniors with safely enjoying the outdoors this summer!
