Active Aging: Enjoy summer safely: Take precautions to make the most of warm weather
by Stacey Mason
Summertime is a wonderful time to be a Michigander! Our state offers many enjoyable activities during this beautiful season. If you’re one of the fortunate ones, you might be boating on the lake, lounging at the beach, biking on Mackinac Island, camping at a state park, or attending one of the many summer festivals. While participating in these activities is delightful, it’s essential to take precautions against the sun and heat, particularly for older adults.
Safe practices for hot weather:
According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults can find it challenging to regulate their body temperature due to various factors, including chronic medical conditions and prescription medications. What are ways to stay safe and enjoy the warmer weather? HealthInAging.org shares a number of suggestions. You can search for “warm weather” on their website to find a helpful list, including the following:
- Stay away from direct sunlight if possible. Try to plan outdoor activities either early in the day or when the sun is starting to set.
- Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, go somewhere that is air-conditioned, like your Stockbridge Area Senior Center!
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol.
- Dress Appropriately. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes. Avoid dark clothing as it may absorb more heat, and top off your outfit with a light, wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid sunburn. Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply liberally to all exposed skin.
Heat-related health issues:
Without taking the correct precautions, you might find yourself dealing with any number of health issues related to high temperatures and the sun. These include, but are not limited to:
- Dehydration: Symptoms can include weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, and the potential for passing out.
- Heat stroke: Thisis a dangerous rise in body temperature, which may happen gradually or over days of heat exposure in older adults. Warning signs of heat stroke include red, hot, dry skin; a fast pulse; headache; dizziness, confusion; nausea; and the possibility of passing out.
- Heat exhaustion: This is often the precursor to heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold and clammy skin, and nausea or vomiting. If someone you know is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, do not hesitate to call emergency services.
If you’re looking for a cool place to enjoy activities without the worry of too much sun and heat, join the Stockbridge Area Senior Center today. With only a $20 annual membership fee, you can benefit from the camaraderie and activities our members enjoy. Recent SASC activities have included everything from dinner and a show at Cromwell’s Turkeyville to fun seasonal crafts, important educational presentations on scams and legal documents, musicians sharing their songs, and a variety of exercise classes.
We look forward to seeing you! Until then, stay safe in the summer sun!
Stacey Mason is the director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC)—a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480- 0353 for information.