How Seniors Can Stay Safe in Hot Weather in Miami-Dade

Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments

Summer’s warmth provides us with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. While taking long walks and other recreational activities may be tempting, you’re at risk of becoming dehydrated and sick if you stay in the heat for too long. Extreme weather can affect older people more than others. Seniors with chronic medical conditions are also at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses because of age-related physical changes in the body.

At Advancare, we recommend wearing your sunscreen when going out and avoiding the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when it’s sweltering. We equip our caregivers with the correct information to help you stay safe during hot weather. Here are some of the tips you can utilize to stay safe during summer.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

The most important thing every senior must remember when going out daily is that direct sunlight harms the skin. If you have to work or spend time outdoors, do it early in the morning or the evening when the sun is not too hot. Wear long-sleeved shirts, blouses, and hats to protect your skin from UV light. Extreme exposure to the sun may not only cause skin dryness and irritation, it can also lead to skin cancer.

Invest in Air Conditioning

Air conditioners are popular systems for keeping your home cool. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you can’t afford the cost of running it throughout the day, use fans and other cooling mechanisms to keep your indoor space cooler. Restaurants, libraries, and other public areas have air conditioners. Spend more time in these places. It’s also essential to mention that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps seniors above 65 years who have limited income to cover the cost of air conditioners and other utility bills.

Stay Hydrated

To keep your body hydrated and cool, drink plenty of cool water, clear juice, and other liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can make your body lose water causing you to urinate more. If you have trouble taking plain water, place a slice of orange, pineapple, or any other fruit you like to change the taste. Water is extremely important for seniors even if they don’t sweat as much as younger people.

Dress for the Season

The warm season calls for light, loose and light-colored clothes. Seniors should focus on cotton clothes as they absorb moisture, leaving your skin dry and soft. Avoid dark heavy clothes as they absorb heat. Your outfit should always be topped with a lightweight hat. Light clothes help keep you cool while preventing suburbs. You should also use broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with sun protection (SPF) of 15 or higher. This means the lotion is specifically designed to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen generously on your most exposed skin such as the neck, face, hands, and feet. Bugs are also common in summer. Use spray insect repellent when going outdoors.

Keep Your Home Cool

Apart from fans and air conditioners, there are many other ways of keeping your home cool. For instance, you can close the windows during the day except those that are under shade if you have trees that offer shade. You can also remove rugs and carpets that absorb heat and dust and avoid cooking in the house during the hot weather.

Contact Advanacare today to learn more about our senior home care services and how our caregivers can help you.