Summer Fun for Seniors

Whether you’re a senior yourself or just tasked with caring for someone in their golden years, there are a few things to know about senior care in summer weather. The heat and humidity of our coastal environs can be overwhelming at any age, and some seniors in particular seem to struggle with it. Sometimes our region experiences extreme heat conditions, adding further concerns for people of all ages. 

None of that should prevent seniors from being active and engaged during the summer months, but a few basic safety rules should be kept in mind: 

Hydration is key, so drink plenty of water. Different people may have different medical needs, but the general rule of eight 8 oz glasses a day is a good starting point. Limit the consumption of caffeine, sugary drinks, or alcohol–these can all dehydrate us during a hot and active summer. 

Stay in the shade when the sun or heat are particularly intense. Direct sun can lead to overheating, and a bit of shade and a nice breeze can help prevent the heat from taking its toll. 

Dress for success by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing including a hat to keep the sun off. The right clothing can help keep you cooler during outdoor activities. 

Know the signs of heat illness and be on the lookout for them in yourself and others. If the heat is getting to be a bit uncomfortable, head for the shade or find some air conditioning. 

Now, with the safety tips out of the way–let’s go on to the fun!

Summer Activities for Seniors

There are so many possibilities when it comes to summer activities for seniors depending on physical ability, interest, and the time of year. We’d like to offer a list of suggestions that might appeal to a wide variety of people. Hopefully, there’s something for everyone!

• Catch a ball game! Odds are pretty good there’s a minor-league baseball team, a softball league, or some other local sporting event going on near you. Spending some time outside watching baseball, soccer, softball, or some other summer sport can be a great way to get out of the house, mingle with other people, and just enjoy the season.

• Hit the beach! We live on the coast and a day at the beach is enjoyable at any age. If swimming in the ocean no longer suits you, a walk on the beach or just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere can make for a great way to spend the day. And while you’re there  . . . 

• Go fly a kite! Turns out there’s no age limit on kite flying, and it can be a fun way to spend some time outdoors and a good excuse to meet other folks with the same interest. There are kite-flying clubs, which may lead to additional social opportunities as well. 

• Take a walk! Simple things are best, and a summer evening can make for a great walk around the neighborhood, down the beach, through a local park . . . you get the idea. Walking can be done with one or two people or a group, it can happen when you feel like it, and it can be as long or short as time and opportunity allow. 
• Visit the library! Summer is a great time to catch up on your reading, and a trip to the library might introduce you to a new favorite author or let you enjoy learning about a new subject. Plus, a book is a great companion at the beach . . . 

There are so many more possibilities, but this list should get you started. Feel free to explore, add your own ideas, and try new things. Our golden years are a time to grow, so let yourself have some fun and maybe learn a bit along the way.