Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in Bonita Springs, FL

Summer's finally here, meaning spending more time enjoying the outdoors. However, Florida's summers are growing hotter due to earth's rising temperatures, and for seniors, this can pose a severe health risk. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 14,000 people have died due to heat-related illnesses since 1979.

So, what are the best tips for summer safety for seniors? A supportive environment and access to amenities can make a significant difference.

That's where Diamond Oaks Village Bonita Springs, FL comes in. Each living option comes with central air conditioning that you can regulate to stay cool during summer.

Read on as we explore the best summer safety tips for seniors in Florida.

Stay Hydrated

Getting older usually comes with the complication of inefficient water conservation. In addition, the sense of thirst significantly diminishes, and you may not even know when to drink water. This is one of the main reasons seniors are particularly prone to heat-related illnesses.

Drinking plenty of water during summer can help you stay safe and avoid dehydration. Hydration for elderly also requires doing the following:

Avoiding the intake of alcohol
Lowering the consumption of caffeine
Setting reminders to drink water as the day progresses
Limiting the intake of sweetened drinks

Eat hydrating foods and fruits such as oranges and watermelons. If you will be outdoors for a while, carry a water bottle. Staying hydrated regulates your body's temperature through sweating, which can dissipate heat.

It's also a full-time job that can be difficult for seniors to do independently. Diamond Oaks Village in Bonita Springs provides must-have amenities for seniors and delicious meals and drinks to maintain overall health.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing and Apply Sunscreen

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that too much exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer. During the summer, wearing the right type of clothing is important for Florida senior health.

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+ is the best way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Clothes that seniors can wear for reduced sun exposure include:

Wide-brimmed hats
UV-blocking sunglasses
Wide-leg pants and long-sleeved shirts

You can also choose clothes with ventilated designs that allow for greater breathability. Apply sunscreen to any areas of your body that will face sun exposure. You can also consult your physician and check the suitable composition of sunscreen to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reaction.

Avoid the Outdoors During Peak Hours

One of the best heat safety tips for seniors is to stay indoors during the hottest time of the day. The temperatures can get extremely high from noon to 4 p.m. So, confine yourself to the indoors during this time.

Staying indoors doesn't have to be boring. Diamond Oaks Senior Living in Bonita Springs, FL, offers different fun indoor activities for you to enjoy, such as:

Scrapbooking
Online classes
Revive or find a new hobby, such as baking, woodworking, and knitting
Indoor fitness programs such as tai chi and yoga

Look at the day's weather forecast to determine whether you can leave the house. If you have to go outside, stay in shaded areas and check for any signs of heat-related illnesses.

Stay Cool

Staying indoors doesn't automatically keep you safe from the heat. Senior summer wellness requires adapting the living environment to help older adults remain cool throughout the day. Ensure the AC unit is working properly; if not, install a new HVAC system.

You may also get fans and keep your windows open to maintain a cool indoor space. You can also block out the sun's rays using blinds and curtains.

Besides, minimize the use of heat-generating devices, and turn off electrical appliances, especially during the day. You can also take cool baths or showers to lower your body temperature.

Additional Summer Safety Tips

The National Institute on Aging found that aging increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Staying safe from the heat requires a comprehensive approach that helps you avoid extreme heat.

Additional summer safety tips seniors can take include:

Being mindful of medications and their interactions
Staying connected with friends and family
When wearing sunscreen, apply it every two hours if you're outside

The body's immune system naturally gets weaker with age, adversely affecting its ability to repair skin damage due to sun exposure. Consequently, it's vital to take precautions for safe outdoor living for seniors. The best way to do all that is by transitioning to independent living in Bonita Springs, FL.

Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses in Seniors

Chronic health issues coupled with age make seniors more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Knowing the signs of heat stroke and other heat-related problems can help you stay safe and avoid the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Some of the signs of heat-related illnesses:

Weakness
Headache and vomiting
Shallow breathing and dizziness
Dry skin and red rashes

If you experience any of the above signs, contact emergency services and drink plenty of water. The symptoms may not be apparent, so stay close with loved ones and peers during the summer.

How Bonita Springs Enhances Summer Safety for Seniors

Senior independent living in Bonita Springs, FL, takes a proactive approach to keeping older adults safe during the summer. The community's apartments and housing options are specifically designed with efficient AC and HVAC systems.

The climate control systems are continuously monitored to ensure the temperature stays within a healthy range during hot summer days. The staff is also well trained to spot signs of heat-related illnesses and can intervene immediately.

Nutrition and hydration support is available throughout the day to improve your overall well-being. Other ways Diamond Oaks Village senior living promotes summer safety include:

Planned safe outdoor activities
Emergency preparedness
Access to social support and community engagement

Implement Summer Safety Tips to Stay Active and Healthy in Florida Today

Summer's the time to have fun and conquer the outdoors with endless adventure. However, as a senior, you should follow specific summer safety tips to protect your well-being throughout the season.

Diamond Oaks Village in Bonita Springs is a vibrant community providing lifestyle programs for seniors in Florida. We offer nutritious meal options, supportive services, and planned indoor and outdoor fun activities for you to stay active and healthy.