Summer in Virginia is a wonderful time to enjoy trips to the beach, family cookouts, nature walks, outdoor concerts and so much more. For seniors, taking extra precautions allows you to enjoy all the fun summer has to offer while staying safe and healthy. Read on for the best ways to stay cool, from refreshing, hydrating recipes to fun ways to beat the heat.
Understand the Risks and Stay Safe
Intense summer heat can be dangerous for everyone, but especially for seniors. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at cooling down and regulating temperature. Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease and certain prescription medications can also increase the risk of developing heat-related illnesses.
The good news? These risk factors don’t have to hold you back from enjoying summer fun in Virginia–you just need to take extra precautions, such as:
- Drinking plenty of water before, during and after physical activity
- Using sunscreen and wearing light-colored, breathable clothing and hats to prevent sunburn and help you stay cool
- Avoiding outdoor activities in the hottest part of the day
- Reading the labels on your medications to educate yourself about side-effects like sun sensitivity or dehydration
- Recognizing the symptoms of overheating
Try Refreshing and Hydrating Summer Recipes
When you’re trying to stay cool and hydrated, foods like cucumbers, watermelon, berries, and tomatoes are the perfect recipe ingredients. Tossing together a salad requires no cooking, so you can avoid heating up the house by turning on the oven. Cool, fruity, non-alcoholic drinks are the perfect way to end the day on the patio with friends or family in Virginia.
Here are just a few delicious and flavorful recipes you can try:
- Cucumber, tomato & avocado salad with lemon-shallot vinaigrette
- Watermelon and goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Summer cup mocktail
- Raspberry lemonade slushies
Balance Outdoor Fun and Indoor Comfort in Virginia
Tips for Outdoor Safety
You can enjoy outdoor fun safely if you take a few precautions. When possible, enjoy outdoor activities in the morning or evening when the heat is less intense. Taking a walk in a nature preserve or working in your garden at 9:00 a.m. will be much more enjoyable and safer than doing the same at 1:00 p.m. If you do have outdoor plans in the hotter times of the day, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and take frequent breaks to get out of the sun and cool down. If you’re at the beach or by the pool, take a dip frequently to lower your body temperature.
Indoor Activities to Escape the Heat in Virginia
When the heat is too intense to enjoy being outdoors, you can still stay engaged and active. Spend the hot afternoons strolling a museum, speed walking around the mall, taking a class at your local senior center or joining friends for a book club or game of cards. If you enjoy volunteering, animal shelters, food banks and local libraries often need extra help in the summer months.
By understanding your risks and taking precautions to stay safe, you can still enjoy a fun and active summer.
Experience a More Vibrant Life at Trio Healthcare
At Trio Healthcare, the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. We provide expert, personalized care tailored to the needs of each individual, and our Virginia communities enable seniors to live a vibrant life full of possibilities. Contact us today to learn more.