SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS
The summer season is all about going to the beach, catching up on summer reading, barbecuing, going to the park, enjoying a nice vacation with family members, children and grandchildren. Summer brings a sense of excitement and a desire to get outside and be active. However, for Older Adults who have a higher sensitivity to heat, it is imperative to more cautious. As you are thinking about summer activities, it is also important to think about safety tips.
1. Stay hydrated
According to Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that men drink about 15.5 cups of fluids daily and women about 11.5 cups. If you don’t drink enough water each day, your risk of dehydration increases. If you intend to spend much time out in the sun, you may want to aim even higher to avoid dehydration.
Don’t wait for your body to tell you when you are thirsty. Older Adults are often less aware of their thirst. Be proactive in staying hydrated and make sure you drink water, sports drinks or juices – sodas, coffee, and especially alcohol are not recommended.
2. Don’t stay out for too long.
Don’t plan to spend the whole day out in the sun. It is best to go outside early in the day or later in the afternoon.
3. Check the forecast before you go out.
The temperature lately has been very hot and humid. You don’t want to be caught by surprise on a 100° day. Make sure you know what to expect of the weather before you go out so you can dress appropriately and plan your day accordingly.
4. Use your air conditioning.
If you don’t have A/C in your home, take trips in the hottest part of the day to the mall, the movies, the closest library or your local cooling center.
5. Know the early warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
Hopefully these tips can help keep you from encountering a heat related illness, but you should still be prepared. Review the symptoms for dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.
As always, pay attention to your mental health – ongoing sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, changes in sleep pattern, loss of appetite, excessive crying, irritability and so on. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please contact NYC WELL at 1-888-692-9355.
Spring Creek Senior Partners offers many events and activities to help keep you active, informed and healthy.
Join us for
- Walk-A-Thon – Every Monday Morning
- Technology Hybrid – Monday (in-person), Wednesday and Friday (Virtual)
- Zumba – Every Wednesday
- Dance Movement – Every Tuesday
- ARTS & CRAFTS (CROCHET), GARDENING, Games/Puzzles/Sudoku every Thursday (in-person)
- BINGO every Friday (in-person)
- Movie every Friday (in-person)
- Blood Pressure Monitoring – Monday thru Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm
The staff of Spring Creek Senior Partners is here to assist those living in Spring Creek Towers who are 60 years and older. You are always welcome to participate in our many events and activities.
If you need to see one of our case workers or the NORC Nurse, please call for an appointment. Our number is 718-348-7620.
IMPORTANT “Farmers Market Vouchers Hotline 8/18/22 10AM-1PM – First come first serve *quantities are limited* Please call on that day to place your name on the Farmers Market Voucher List”
ABOUT SPRING CREEK SENIOR PARTNERS
Spring Creek Senior Partners is a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community/Supportive Service Program (NORC/SSP) and we serve all residents who are 60 years or older. Our services are free and open to all residents of Spring Creek Towers. You can visit Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 160 Schroeders Ave. (G5) or call us 718-348-7620.
