Australia is known as the ‘sun–burnt country’ and it’s incredible hot weather, with average temperatures soaring to 30 degrees during the summer months. However, despite the Aussie outdoor lifestyle being so loved and embraced, heat stress is the number one natural killer in our country.
As we get older our bodies find it increasingly difficult to regulate heat efficiently, therefore it’s extremely important for seniors to take extra precaution when temperatures are high.
“We advise our clients to be heat smart by drinking small sips of water frequently, using air conditioning or opening up windows, and avoiding going out into the heat between 10am and 4pm if possible. If you’re going to enjoy a drink during hot weather, matching each glass of alcohol with one or two glasses of water, is always a good plan.” says Jasmine Hopcraft, Owner and Director of Home Instead on the Central Coast and Newcastle.
We have created a list of survival tips to ensure everyone enjoys the summer safely and avoids the dangers of Heat Stress which can include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, sunburns and can even cause death.
Beat the Heat. Summer Tips for Seniors
Hydration
Dehydration is a common heat related condition which can be serious, even fatal. It is important to keep the body hydrated by regularly sipping on water throughout the day. Health authorities recommend a person should ideally drink two litres of water per day.
Stay Out of the Sun
Although the beach is tempting on a hot summer’s day, you should avoid direct sun exposure where you can, particularly seniors. Try to stay in cool, shaded, or breezy areas, take regular breaks from the sun and keep your home air conditioned. It is also important to remember heat stress can strike at any time, even cloudy days, so avoiding extremely warm environments is strongly advised.
Protective Clothing
When planning a day in the sun, it is important to wear suitable clothing for the weather condition. If you are wearing full coverage clothing to protect your skin, avoid over heating by ensuring the material is lightweight and light coloured. Seniors’ eyes tend to be more sensitive to sunlight, therefore it is important to wear UV filtering sunglasses to avoid damage. And don’t forget your sun hat!
Sunscreen
Please, please, please don’t leave the house without sunscreen. Sunscreen contains sun protection factors (SPF), which protects your skin from harmful UV rays and decreases your chance of sunburn and skin cancers. It is also a good idea to invest in a daily moisturiser with an SPF of at least 30+.
Be Activity Astute
According to the Sun Safely Alliance the sun is at its strongest during the hours of 10am–4pm, so it is not a good idea to plan strenuous activities while the temperature and UV rays are soaring. Think up some fun activities to beat the heat during this time such as heading to an air conditioned shopping centre or gaining access to a swimming pool. Save the long walks for early mornings or evenings when the temperature has cooled down. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, please seek medical advice.
To us it’s Personal
At Home Instead, we believe in a relationship based approach to care and support, as opposed to task based. We help with a range of personal and lifestyle needs while providing welcome companionship. Our services include assistance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, transport to appointments, shopping and social outings. We take personal responsibility for providing the best in–home care and support to meet our clients’ needs.
We employ and train our CAREGivers to understand the challenges facing people as they get older and provide specialised care through our unique training program to support our clients.
We understand that to you, it’s about finding trustworthy care for your ageing loved one. To us, it’s about providing the highest quality, in–home care services to fit you and your family’s needs.
For more information on services and support that is right for you and your family, please contact our local Home Instead office on 02 4342 3477 www.homeinstead.com.au
About Home Instead Established in 2013, Home Instead is a locally based in home care and companionship service on the Central Coast. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local seniors and their families and we take pride in every aspect of their care to ensure they have access to the best quality care services and support they need to continue living, safely, independently, and happily in the comfort of their own home.
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