Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to figure out ways to cool off in a safe fashion. During this time of quarantine it’s important to get outside in the fresh air and get some vitamin D. By following our helpful tips you can stay safe and satisfied this summer.
Fun Senior Summer Activities
Even with social distancing, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun this summer.
Get in your garden
Once you’ve successfully grown your own tomatoes or zucchini, you’ll wonder why you wasted so much money buying flavorless grocery store produce over the years. The dirt under your nails will only make it taste all the sweeter.
Throw food on the grill
If you think grilling is just about throwing some burger patties on a flame, then you’ve never met any serious grilling hobbyists. When you start paying closer attention to the craft, you’ll form some strong opinions about how long to let your meat “rest”. Even if you don’t eat meat vegetables are a great option on the grill and it gives them a great flavor.
Go fishing
Fishing is a timeless hobby because of the possibility of bringing home something that you caught yourself. It can be addictive because it reminds us how to be patient. Where else are you rewarded for just sitting, waiting, and staring off into space and not checking your phone or email for hours?
Snap photos
We’re not talking about the kind of photography you do with your phone. We mean photography done with a quality real camera, for which you have to learn about exposure and color and develop an eye for what might be worth capturing on film. Even if you never fully master it, you’ll start looking at the world a little differently, paying closer attention to the details you never really noticed before.
Seniors Staying Safe This Summer
Here are 7 tips to help ensure that you and your senior loved one stay safe during the summer months:
1. Keep Hydrated
Seniors are more prone to dehydration because they aren’t able to conserve as much water as they could when they were younger and their sense of thirst becomes less acute as they age. Seniors should drink at least 8 glasses of water or sports drinks daily and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which are dehydrating.
2. Stay cool
High temperatures can be life threatening, especially for seniors. If your loved one’s home isn’t air conditioned, encourage them to visit a friend or relative’s home during high temps. Senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries are also good options to stay cool.
3. Dress appropriately
A senior’s summer wardrobe should be full of light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Choose cotton and other natural fabrics that are more lightweight and breathable than synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Wearing a wide brimmed hat will help keep the sun off your face and neck.
4. Wear sunscreen
Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply frequently if engaging in water activities.
5. Preserve your vision
Sun exposure can irritate seniors’ eyes and cause vision damage. Sunglasses should always be worn when exposed to the sun.
6. Avoid sun during peak hours
Plan outdoor exercise or activities either first thing in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 4 p.m.) when the sun isn’t as hot. Remember to hydrate even more than usual when exercising.
7. Watch for heat stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening condition. Look for heat stroke symptoms, which include high body temperature, dizziness, headache, confusion, and nausea. Seek immediate medical attention if these signs are present.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
