5 Tips for Seniors To Maintain Health in Hot Weather

The hot and humid summertime brings fun, but it can present unique health challenges for seniors. While staying safe from heat stroke and excessive sun exposure are common summer health tips, there are a variety of potential issues that can pose health risks.  Senior home care Anchorage professionals share some safety measures for seniors and their caregivers to maintain health in hot weather.

Stay Hydrated

A common saying “drink plenty of water” is essentially true to keep the body hydrated and healthy. Our body needs water to work efficiently. In the hot days of summer, make sure to track how much water your loved one drinks. Drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water in summer is important to prevent heat-related illnesses and sun stroke. If drinking 12 glasses of water is not an option, consider serving your loved one hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, berries, lemonade, and green pepper.

Review Medications for Side Effects

Some medications prescribed to your loved one can increase his or her risk for heat-related illnesses, including medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory. The side effects of these medications in heat can result in heat exhaustion and make seniors vulnerable to sunstroke. Consult your loved one’s doctor to find out any potential risks of the prescribed medications.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen Application

One of the most common mistakes people make in the hot weather is not applying the proper amount of sunscreen and not using it frequently. In the senior years, the skin becomes thin, fragile, and vulnerable to sunburn. Therefore, seniors should apply sunscreen frequently to prevent their skin from being damaged by the harmful rays of the sun.

Go on Tick Patrol

Spending time outdoors in summer excessively increases the risk of tick bites. This is also applicable to pets. Before getting back inside the home, make sure to conduct a tick patrol. Inspect your loved one’s body and his or her pets for signs of ticks.

Prevent Home from Overheating

Older adults are likely to be reluctant to use air conditioner due to the expense even if they have it in the home. Make sure your loved one can cool off during the hottest times of the day. If there is s serious issue regarding expense, you can take him or her to a local mall or community center where there is good air conditioning.

If your aging loved one needs help to stay cool and healthy in the hot weather, consider hiring professional respite care. Anchorage families should opt for a reliable in-home care provider to allow their loved one get the help they need to enjoy a high quality of life while aging in the comfort of home.