As seniors get older, they become more susceptible to sunburns and skin damage from UV rays. While sunshine is a known source of health and good cheer, too much sun can also be dangerous for your seniors. As a caregiver, you are likely responsible for helping your seniors enjoy the summer, and also to keep them safe in the process. Don't worry, with a complete checklist, protecting a senior from the summer heat and UV radiation is not hard.
Staying in the Shade
Seniors should mostly enjoy summer in the shade, as older skin can become thinner and certain medications can cause a person to have greater skin sensitivity. Seniors can become even more susceptible than usual to UV rays, radiation, and unfiltered sunshine as a result. This is why senior caregivers make an effort to prepare a space for seniors to enjoy the outdoors without much direct sun exposure.
Going Outside With Seniors
- Lightweight wraps
- Wide-brimmed hats
- The right sunglasses
- Sunscreen every 2 hours
- Stay shady
- Take breaks indoors
If you are taking one or more seniors outside, be sure to prepare them correctly for the adventure. Seniors are safest when wearing lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats with their favorite kind of sunglasses. The long-sleeve shirts of light cotton or linen help to wick moisture and keep your seniors cool while also providing protection from direct UV rays and radiation. The wide-brimmed hat creates essential shade for the scalp, face, ears, and back of the neck where sunburns are often the worst.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out, and every 2 hours after. If seniors swim, apply sunscreen again when they dry off. Be sure to encourage your seniors to rest in the shade and to take breaks spending time indoors.
Senior Outdoor Activities
- Watch for overheating signs
- Light, relaxing activities
- Nearby seating in the shade
- Easy hydration station
- Take regular rest breaks
If you know seniors who want to have outdoor activities, keep a careful eye on the group. Light sports games can be a fun way to stay active in the summer, but also increases direct sunlight exposure and the risk of overheating in the summer sun.
Encourage your seniors to choose light, untaxing activities and watch for signs of overheating. Make sure there are chairs or benches in some shade nearby for seniors to safely rest and provide easy to access hydration in the resting place to keep cool.
If you are organizing the event, mark regular rest breaks where everyone must catch some shade and drink water.
Staying Cool and Fresh From Heat and Radiation
- Shade sources
- Iced summer drinks to sip
- Fans and misting
You can help your seniors stay cool and healthy during a summer event with a few easy tricks. Provide multiple shade sources for social gatherings and step from shade to shade. Set up fans and even light misting to help seniors keep cool in the sun. We also advise mixing icy summer drinks to sip that will become more watered down and hydrating over time.
Traveling in the Summer With Seniors
- Start the car's AC early
- Quick outdoor transitions
- Light clothing and hat shade
- Consider backseat window shades
If you are taking a car trip with a senior this summer, take care to make sure the car is never too hot, and they are not in direct sunlight for too long. Start the car and AC a few minutes before your senior gets in. Make sure they are wearing UV protective clothing and consider backseat window shades to ensure your senior is not hit by too much direct sunlight. When transitioning between the car and buildings, move efficiently to reduce time spent in the full sunlight.
Caregiving for a senior in the summer takes some attention, but that's what we do best here at Senior Helpers of Baltimore. If there is a senior in your life who could be better enjoying the summer if they had a team of caregivers to help them stay safe and cool, contact us today. We are eager to make your senior and your family circle happier with excellent home care.