When we hear the word summer, the first thing that springs to mind is the summer vacations we enjoyed as children. The delight of venturing out and having fun is a memory that will last a lifetime. While children enjoy the summer season to the fullest, the same cannot be said for the elderly. The blazing heat frequently causes the greatest challenges for elderly. The thick, hot air makes it difficult for anyone to maintain an active lifestyle.
One factor that may deter seniors from moving out is the increased risk of heat-related ailments that comes with excessive summer temperatures. Seniors’ physical, mental, and social health will suffer if they are confined to their homes for long periods of time. This will also cause a disruption in their active lifestyle.
Extreme temperatures might pose a danger to anyone over the age of 65. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash are just a few of the consequences of being exposed to high heat indices. These will even make elders feel sluggish, lethargic, and drowsy all day.
Here are a few summer tips for seniors to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle at home.
Avoid direct sunlight:
It is best to avoid direct midday sunshine, as this might cause health concerns in elders. The sun’s beams are especially powerful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seniors should arrange their outdoor recreational activities before 10 a.m., when the sun’s rays begin to strengthen, and/or after 6 p.m. on hotter days, when the heat begins to fade.
Staying hydrated: (super benefits of water)
The most important preventative measure is to stay hydrated on a regular basis, and elders should be encouraged to drink fluids even when they are not thirsty, as thirst may not be triggered until they are already dehydrated. Thirst, disorientation, irritability, and poor skin elasticity are the most typical symptoms of dehydration in the elderly.
Dress appropriately for the weather:
It is best to dress comfortably and in light colours. Darker colours and heavier fabrics absorb heat from the sun, giving you the sensation of being enveloped in a blanket. Lighter colours and lighter garments are better suited to hotter conditions. Choose garments that wick away sweat, which will help you stay cool. These easy tweaks will help you keep cool while also avoiding sunburn.
Keep a check on their diet:
Diet is an important aspect in staying healthy and active, especially in the summer. Some best fruits for summer are watermelons, cantaloupes, apples, and pears provide good hydration. Citrus fruits provide high immunity to assist elders avoid heat-related diseases. During the summer, fruits are made a mandatory element of the senior meal at assisted living facilities to help seniors stay hydrated and healthy.
Having a contented family life:
Family members have an important part in maintaining an active lifestyle of elders at home. When the elderly loved one is feeling depressed, friends and family members are the ideal people to lift them up. They are the ones who assist seniors in improving their mental health. Seniors can have a higher quality of life and retain an intellectually engaged lifestyle.
Engaging in small indoor activities:
Staying active with indoor hobbies and games can reduce the risk of a variety of health disorders, improve mood, boost confidence, and improve one’s capacity to think, learn, and make decisions. Some of the activities for seniors are Carrom, chess, and cards help keep elders mentally engaged while also promoting good brain health.
Digital platform as a solution for entertainment
Even for elders, digital platforms represent the next generation of entertainment. With a mobile phone in hand, seniors have access to all forms of entertainment for a healthier lifestyle during the hot summer months. There are various advantages to combining seniors with technology. Some advantages include staying up to date on news and current events, staying in touch with friends, learning new things, and having access to medical consultations and other crucial appointments.
Seniors are no exception in this current age of digital technology expanding and bringing a transformation in the way people live. Even the senior care business has shifted to software and mobile apps for easier access. Athulya Home Healthcare is one such home care services in Chennai that offers elders exclusive geriatric healthcare in the comfort of their own home. In this blazing summer, Athulya Home Healthcare is one of the best options for seniors to choose for their healthcare needs like Medical counselling at home, Doctor visits at home, nursing care services, home blood collections, etc.
