The summer season calls for fun in the sun and hot weather. It’s fine to enjoy the outdoors and all the activities that come with summers, however, it’s also important to stay wary and protected against the dangers related to heat exhaustion, heat fatigue, and sunstroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat events can trigger when the body is under too much heat stress. The body loses the ability to regulate heat temperature and the sweating mechanism fails. In the worst case, the condition can cause permanent disability or death.
Even in less serious cases, hot weather can cause respiratory problems when mixed in with pollution or high humidity levels. As a result, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid heat exhaustion symptoms.
When you’re sleeping, the temperature can change drastically during the night. If you’re a deep sleeper, it’s important to stay prepared. The best sheets for hot weather will be made from cotton, linen, and silk. All of these fabrics are breathable and soak up moisture well. Be sure to test out which fabric feels the most comfortable on your skin.
A bonus tip is to put a small bedsheet into your fridge to cool it down. It’ll feel very refreshing to pull it out and use it!
2. Install a Weather App with Alerts
All of Mansions Senior Living’s social pages post alerts from established and accurate weather websites like Accuweather. Weather alerts include warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, polluted air, floods, and more. Look to install a weather app of your choice or follow one of Mansions Senior Living’s retirement communities on Facebook or Instagram.
3. Stay Hydrated
Although very obvious, staying hydrated and drinking the appropriate amount of water can be difficult. When the temperatures are high and your body sweats, you will need to consume more liquids than usual. Be vary of only drinking juice or sugar-filled drinks because they can contribute to dehydration. Better Health recommends daily, older adults should consume at least 1.7 liters (or roughly 8 glasses) of fluid. However, when there is hot weather, remember to consume more water than usual and drink even when you’re not feeling thirsty.
4. Consume Meals That Cool Down Your Body Temperature
When it comes to snacking or dining, try hot weather meals. They can help lower body heat quickly. Another alternative is to avoid using a stove to keep the room temperature low. At Mansions Senior Living during the hot weather, activity directors like Aimee Minton host functions with milkshakes, ice cream, popsicles, ice-cream trucks, cold drinks, and more. The professional chefs at our retirement communities also prepare meals like fruit medley, ice cream, refreshing salads, fruit salsas, and more.
5. Wear Appropriate Summer Attire
Similarly, to the bedsheets, choose light and loose-fitting clothing. It’s best to wear light colors if you plan on going outside or being exposed to sunlight. Some natural fiber fabrics to consider are cotton, linen, and silk. Synthetic fibers tend to retain heat.
6. Avoid The Sun During Peak Times
It’s best to avoid the sun during the hottest hours. Try to stay in the shade or indoors from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or as advised by your local weather app.
7. Use Air Conditioning
Luckily, all senior living communities owned by Mansions Senior Living are air-conditioned to give their residents the highest level of comfort during the hot weather season. However, if you have no access to air conditioning, try locating a local café or community center that offers it. If not, keeping air circulating with a fan is a decent way to stay cool.
8. Use Ice Packs
Use ice packs, gel packs, or DIY cooling pads to help lower your body temperature. It is best to apply them to your “hot zone” pressure points, such as the points are your ankles, temples, neck, elbow bends, wrists, and behind your knees. These points will give you instant relief.
Some examples of DIY cooling you can make or take advantage of are frozen water bottles/cans, water in a zip closure bag, juice boxes, or damp towels. Please be careful when freezing things made from glass – the rapid change of temperatures triggers these items to shatter or break.
9. Limit Strenuous Physical Activity
If you’re not in an air-conditioned environment, limit your physical activity. Avoid going up and down stairs, moving around excessively, and heavy lifting. If you need to, take things slow or have someone help you with your activities.
10. Use Nature to Your Advantage
Although this is a long-term activity, plant some large trees around your residential area. Trees can offer plenty of shade to your home, reducing the indoor temperature and your utility bills. They are fantastic for the hot weather seasons and are beautiful decorative pieces.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to learn more about how Mansions Senior Living communities help prepare seniors for a comfortable and pleasant hot weather experience, contact us.