Summer Safety for Seniors

Stay Hydrated Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people because they lose their ability to conserve water as they age. Remember to drink water often throughout the day.

Talk to Your Doctor Check with your medical team to make sure any medications you are on won't be affected by higher temperatures -- especially if you don't have air conditioning in your home. Some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature, and the last thing anyone wants is for a preventable medical condition to become aggravated due to high temperatures.

Stay in Touch High temperatures can be life-threatening, so communication plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the elderly. You should let friends and family know if you'll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if it's just doing light gardening.

Wear the Right Stuff Everyone, including seniors, should dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Make sure to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

Protect Your Eyes Vision loss can be common among the elderly, and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause damage. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve your vision.

Wear Hats

Hats are a great idea, especially for those with light colored hair and those with only distant memories of a full head of hair.

Exercise Smart If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or gardening, make sure to wear the proper clothing and protective gear. You should also consider outdoor exercise earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not at its peak.