Astral at Auburn Shares Our Essential Summer Safety Tips

According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults “are at significant increased risk of heat-related illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia, during the summer months.” Many health-related risk factors can play a role, including poor circulation, high blood pressure and medications. However, even without these factors, older adults should pay extra care to their health during the summer months.

At Astral at Auburn, we help older adults experience vibrant and purposeful lives within our welcoming senior living community. With independent living, assisted living and memory care, Astral at Auburn is dedicated to bringing joy and fulfillment to residents each day.

Part of that commitment is being your trusted resource for senior living news and educational information. With another summer here, older adults need to pay close attention to how they are managing their body temperature. Our essential summer safety tips will help you stay cool and healthy all summer long.

Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration is a serious risk for older adults, so one of the most important summer safety tips is to drink plenty of fluids. “Feeling thirsty is your body’s way of letting you know you need water. However, because the thirst response becomes weaker with age, older adults may not know they need to drink (healthline.com).” 

To counteract this risk, get in the habit of drinking eight glasses of water during the day. You can set reminders for yourself to drink water at regular intervals or fill a 64-oz pitcher of water and consume it throughout the day. 

Drinking fluids regularly is one of the best ways to combat the risks of overheating during the summer months. 

Wear Cool Clothes – and Sunscreen

Although we recommend not spending too much time in the sun, that is not always a viable solution. And there will be some days during the summer when the weather is warm and mild without being overbearing.

When you are spending time outside, wear cool, loose-fitting clothing. This will allow for airflow and will not restrict your body. If you wear heavy or constricting apparel during the hot summer days, you limit your body’s natural ability to regulate your body temperature, putting you at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Another one of our summer safety tips is to apply sunscreen when you are spending time outside. This is good practice for every day that you spend outside, but it is particularly important during the summer. By wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, you limit your skin’s exposure to the sun – reducing your risk of sunburn and skin cancer. 

When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as your nose and ears. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight (When Possible)

As the temperatures rise outside, another way to protect yourself is to avoid direct sunlight (especially when it’s at its hottest) by finding activities to do indoors. It can be difficult to regulate your temperature when you are exposed to the heat of the day, which is why outdoor activities should be completed in the early morning hours or later in the evening after the sun has set. 

If you enjoy gardening or taking a daily walk, make sure that you are doing these activities during the cooler parts of the day. Then plan your schedule accordingly, so you can enjoy the hot afternoon hours in a cool, comfortable location.

At Astral at Auburn, we provide residents with various enjoyable indoor activities that allow them to avoid the summer heat. Our rotating schedule of events is created based on resident preferences and needs, giving every person in our community the opportunity to participate.

The summer months can be enjoyable for indoor and outdoor activities, and at Astral at Auburn, we want to make sure you remain safe throughout the season. By following our helpful summer safety tips, you can ensure the summer months are healthy, safe and fun.

To learn more about our independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Auburn, Indiana, please visit our website today.