How seniors can stay safe in the summer heat

With daily temperatures on the rise, seniors are at an increased risk of dehydration, sunburns and heat-related illness. With proper protection from the sun, seniors can enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family. Here are some tips for coping with the summer heat:

Drink plenty of water. Did you know seniors are more susceptible to dehydration because they do not conserve water as well as younger people? Be sure to drink at least eight cups of water per day and add drinks that include salt and potassium to make up for lost water during the hot months. If you are planning on spending the day outdoors, be sure to take a large water bottle.

Apply sunscreen. Although it may be easy to forget to apply sunscreen during a day out in the sun, it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Along with applying sunscreen, don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply chapstick with an SPF of 15 or above. Put on a pair of sporty shades and you’re ready to go!

Avoid strenuous physical activity. Pushing your body to do difficult physical activity in the hot sun could cause heat exhaustion. It may be better to exercise at an indoor, air-conditioned fitness facility during the summer months. If you insist on performing physical activity outdoors, the best time to do it is during the early morning or late evening hours.

Apply bug spray. Although you may be more worried about the hot sun than bugs, applying bug spray is crucial during the summer months. Seniors are especially prone to West Nile virus and encephalitis, making it important to avoid bug bites. You never know when you could get hit by a potentially deadly virus during pest season.