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Celebrate the seasons of life

Summer Wellness: Seven Tips for Staying Active and Healthy in the Heat

Written by Rae Booth on . Posted in Elder Care Blog.

Who doesn’t love these long summer days, filled with sunshine, the promise of fresh air, and seemingly endless outdoor fun? However, with these benefits come soaring temperatures, making summer wellness for seniors a priority during the hottest months.

At Silverbell Homestead, we believe that while staying active is essential year-round, it absolutely must be pursued safely. Fortunately, with a few thoughtful adjustments, summer wellness can be enjoyable and refreshing.

Seven Tips for Staying Active and Healthy in the Heat

Staying healthy and active during peak heat is enjoyable but requires careful consideration, particularly for older adults. By adopting these seven simple strategies, seniors can enjoy the season while minimizing heat-related risks.

1. Choose the Right Time of Day to Be Outside

Stay active throughout this warm season, but choose your outdoor activity times carefully. In most parts of the country, the hottest part of the day arrives between 2:00 and 5:00 pm, with peak heat around 3:00 pm.

If you’re hoping to take a walk or putter in the garden, plan your outdoor time thoroughly. It’s best to go out in the morning or later in the evening. The air is cooler during these times, making for a more pleasant outdoor experience. The cooler temperatures can enhance your activity, whether it’s a stroll or gardening.

2. Stay Hydrated

The National Council on Aging reports that up to 40% of older people are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration is especially dangerous during the warmer months. The body works harder to regulate temperature and maintain energy. Staying hydrated is a key part of summer wellness for seniors.

No matter whether you’re spending time indoors or outdoors, make sure to drink water all the time. As a general rule, calculate one-third of your body weight. Then, drink that number in fluid ounces of water each day to stay fully hydrated.

3. Embrace Indoor Activities

Getting some daily vitamin D is beneficial. But on especially hot days, focus on indoor activities for fitness and fun.

  • Take a walk in a mall or window shop in a department store with friends.
  • Check out free events at your local community center.
  • Have friends over for cards or board games.
  • Try out chair yoga or sit-and-be-fit exercises.

Pursuing activities like these throughout the sunny season keeps the body moving and the mind active. At the same time, it helps protect you from heat-related risks.

4. Eat Light, Seasonal Meals

Eating with the season allows you to enjoy peak flavor and nutrition. As a bonus, seasonal fruits and vegetables are invariably light, hydrating, and delicious.

  • Fresh berries
  • Watermelon
  • Cucumbers
  • Leafy greens
  • Peppers
  • Pears
  • Corn

Choose your favorite flavors and eat to your heart’s content!

5. Protect Your Skin

Not only will it protect your skin and shield you from harmful UV rays, but it will also help you stay cool during the hottest part of the season. Before heading outdoors, simply run through your warm-weather sun checklist.

Summer sun checklist:

  • Sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat or umbrella
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sunglasses

6. Listen to Your Body

While staying active in the warm season is essential, it’s easy to overdo it. As you get out there and enjoy, always be mindful of the signs of heat exhaustion. These can include dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, or (in some cases) a lack of sweat.

At the first sign of the above symptoms, let someone know how you’re feeling. Then, seek shade, shelter, water, and rest immediately.

7. Stay Social and Engaged through Summer

In trying to beat the heat, you can easily overreact and miss out on the best that the sunny season offers. And that would be a shame.

Here at Silverbell, we believe that summer wellness for seniors includes physical, social, and emotional well-being. We encourage you to be intentional with your plans and explore opportunities to safely take part in your community’s seasonal events.

Pursue Summer Wellness the Silverbell Way

With the tips above in mind, take the time to enjoy what truly brings you joy. That might mean singing in a local choir, browsing fresh produce at the farmer’s market, or trying something creative like a craft class. Summer is the perfect season to stay active, social, and fulfilled.

At Silverbell Homestead, we make it easy for residents to embrace every sunny moment with wellness programs, social activities, and peaceful surroundings tailored to their lifestyle.

Want to learn more about how we support healthy, happy living all summer long? Contact us today and let’s chat about your next chapter at Silverbell.