Summer on the west coast of BC is glorious! Whether spending summer days relaxing indoors or exploring outdoors, seniors want to take steps to keep a cool head when the temperature rises.
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can sneak up on you. It can lead to fatigue and dizziness, which in turn can lead to poor decision-making and potential falls.
Tips:
- Carry a water bottle with you, and take a sip even if you’re not thirsty.
- Avoid drinks with sugar or caffeine—they can actually increase dehydration.
- Watermelon, cucumber, and oranges can also help replenish your fluids.
2. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day
The sun is hottest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., that’s prime time for overheating, dehydration and sunburn.
Tips:
- Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
- If you must be outside during the day, bring your own shade: a hat and even an umbrella will help. Cool, loose, cotton clothing is also a must.
3. Take Care of Your Skin
The longer we wear our skin, the more fragile and easily damaged it gets.
Tips:
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin, even if it’s a bit overcast.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
- Wear a hat to protect your scalp and shade your face.
4. Keep Your Living Space Cool
When the temperature rises, you want a cool and restful space to retreat from the heat.
Tips:
- Close your blinds or curtains during the daytime to keep the sun out.
- Open windows during the cooler evening hours to let in fresh air.
5. Stay Active—But Know Your Limits
Even on hot days, we still need to move our bodies. The secret is to find ways to do it without overheating.
Tips:
- Opt for low-impact activities such as walking in air-conditioned locations, swimming, or gentle stretching in front of a fan.
- Listen to your body—if you feel dizzy, faint, or overheated, stop, move to a cooler place, and drink water.
- Wear a rechargeable neck fan to keep a cool head while you’re exercising.
6. Find the Cool Spots
Extreme summer weather has prompted most communities to create cooling centres where you can chill out.
Tips:
- Google the cooling centres in your community and find the ones close to you.
- Libraries, community centres, shopping malls and coffee shops offer air-conditioned bliss.
- Shady spaces make great gathering places. Find a cool spot in your community and get to know your neighbours.
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