Beat the Heat with These Health Tips for Seniors

Summer is a great time to get active and make the most of the season. With rising temperatures, older adults in Kentucky face unique challenges to their overall health and well-being. The team at Elder Law Lawyers has compiled a list of tips to help seniors beat the heat and stay healthy this season. 

Summer Health Tips for Seniors

Regardless of the season, older adults have health concerns that are unique to their age demographic. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of tips to help them stay cool and comfortable all season.

1. Drink More Water

Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration, so they need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat. It is recommended that healthy adults of all ages should consume 9-13 cups of water per day. Women typically need less water than men. Regardless of gender, you may need to hydrate more if you are more active.

However, this hydration doesn’t need to come entirely from drinking water. Water-rich fruits and vegetables can comprise up to 20% of your daily water intake. Leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, summer squash, celery, berries, and melons are all examples of these types of foods. 

2. Wear Sunscreen

Aging skin requires special attention to protect it from the effects of the sun, like an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 provides your skin the protection it needs while out enjoying the sun. However, a stronger SPF level may be needed if you have fair skin or an increased personal risk of skin cancer. Regardless of your risk factors, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours for optimal protection.

3. Stay Active

Many older adults stay active through regular exercise. While it is a great way to maintain overall health and wellness, too much exercise, especially in the summer heat, can stress your cardiovascular system. As many older adults have heart conditions, they should be mindful of the risks exercising in the heat presents. 

Take precautions when exercising during the summer months. Starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise sessions as your body adapts to the heat is a good first step. This is especially the case for those who are just beginning a new exercise routine. 

Also, choosing the right time to exercise can make a difference. Early morning or late evening are cooler and safer times for older adults to partake in outdoor activities. The sun is at its hottest during the middle of the day, so exercising earlier or later helps to avoid this peak time and reduces the risk of heatstroke. 

4. Dress for the Weather

Seasonally appropriate clothing, along with diet and exercise, can impact the health of older adults during the summer months. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing helps to keep your body cool by allowing you to sweat more efficiently. Along with using sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat shields your face from direct sunlight, providing more protection from the sun’s harmful rays. 

5. Schedule a Regular Check-up

While there is a lot to do during the summer, you shouldn’t neglect your health. Summer is a great time to schedule a regular check-up with your family doctor to address any health concerns that arise. Also, if you’re traveling internationally this summer, you can use this visit to get caught up on any vaccines you may need to enter your destination country. 

6. Long-Term Planning

Along with getting caught up with your physical health, consider looking into addressing your long-term planning during the summer months. Making sure your wills and advanced directives are important steps you can take to secure your future. A consultation with an estate planning lawyer, like those at Elder Law Lawyers, can help you determine what your needs are and how you can best meet them. 

Stay Physically & Financially Healthy This Summer

Staying on top of your physical and financial health can help you to make the most of summer in Kentucky. While your physician can support your physical health, Elder Law Lawyers can help you with your financial goals. Take a proactive step towards a healthier future by contacting Elder Law Lawyers to start your long-term planning.

Manage Your Financial Health in Lexington & Northern Kentucky With Elder Law Lawyers

Summer is a great time to create a long-term plan for your financial health. The estate planning team at Elder Law Lawyers can help. Contact us online or call us at 859-543-0061 to get started today!