Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and warm, sunny days, but it is important to keep your health a number one priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people aged 65 or older have a harder time adjusting to sudden temperature changes. Prepare for a safer summer with the following warm weather tips for older adults.
Reduce Strenuous Activities
With high temperatures, seniors should stay in air-conditioned or cool places and out of the sun. It’s important to reduce any strenuous or physical activities as the more movement, the higher the body temperature.
Keep Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty! As you increase your intake of water, minimize your intake of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as these only dehydrate your body. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also recommended to help keep you hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.Protect Yourself in the Sun
Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when going outside, even on cloudy or overcast days. Be sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen after any water activities. Discard expired sunscreen as the ingredients deteriorate over time and may no longer be effective in protecting you. Hats are also a great idea for protecting against the sun. When possible stay in shaded areas like covered patios or shady trees.Wear Light Clothing
Stock your wardrobe with light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to keep cool and stay comfortable. Natural fabrics such as cotton also help to keep cool as opposed to synthetic fibers.Be an Early Bird or Night Owl
If you must be outside during a summer heat wave, limit your outdoor activities to the morning and evenings since the sun is the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.Watch For Heat Stroke
It's important to be mindful of signs of a heat stroke, which include confusion, disorientation, dry skin, excessive tiredness, headache, lethargy, nausea, and rapid pulse. Make sure you seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.Review Your Medications
Many seniors take medication on a daily basis. Some medications are known to cause side effects such as increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Be sure to review with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.Protect Your Eyes
Too much exposure to the sun can irritate and cause damage to your eyes. When outside, wear sunglasses that protect from UV rays.Eat Some Ice Cream!
Treat yourself to ice cream, a popsicle, or frozen yogurt to keep cool over the summer!Schedule a Check-up
No matter the season, remember to schedule regular check-ups with a primary care provider to maintain optimal health, prevent illness, and monitor chronic health issues.About Primary Care
Our board-certified Doylestown Health Primary Care physicians provide preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyle education, and compassionate treatment of illness for all members of the family. As a partner in health, we strive to meet the unique needs of each patient through routine preventive care, referrals to medical specialists if needed, and patient advocacy if the care of a specialist becomes necessary.
- To find a Doylestown Health primary care physician, visit Find a Provider.
Further Reading
• To learn more about hot weather safety for seniors, visit the National Institute on Aging.• You can find out more about how heat affects older adults by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 245 beds and a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Serving Bucks County for over 100 years, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program. Ranked as one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek and 9th in Pennsylvania, Doylestown Hospital is distinguished in both infection prevention and patient experience. Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 18 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.