It’s July already, which means hot summer days are upon us. As much as we all enjoy stepping outside for some fresh air this time of year, t’s important to remember that outdoor activities during the hot summer months can lead to heat exhaustion. This is particularly true when it comes to heat exhaustion in senior adults.

Heat exhaustion occurs when people are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time without proper hydration. If not treated right away, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, permanent brain damage, and even death.

If you’re concerned about heat exhaustion and older adults, don’t fear. There are preventative measures you can take to help ward off heat exhaustion and keep yourself or your senior loved one healthy and hydrated.

1. Drink Lots of Water. During the hot summer months, it’s easy to become dehydrated. This is especially true for senior citizens because as our bodies age, they are less able to conserve fluid. To help prevent heat exhaustion, be sure you or your senior loved one carries a water bottle with them wherever they go. We also have several hydration stations located throughout our Grand Oaks communities that provide fresh, cool water to our residents 24 hours a day. And don’t forget that it’s important to avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and extra sugar while out-and-about in the sun, as these tend to cause dehydration.

2. Avoid Overexertion. When the temperature starts to rise, your activity levels should start to fall, especially if you’re an older adult and going to be out in the sun for a while. When you’re physically active, your body requires lots of water to keep it going. But when you’re physically active in the sun, your body requires substantially more water to keep it going and keep you cool. When you’re spending time outside, be sure to take it a bit slower. And when the sun is out in full force, be sure to avoid strenuous activities like gardening, jogging or biking.

3. Find A Cool Place To Stay. On hot summer days, staying inside in an air-conditioned room is the best way to avoid heat exhaustion, particularly in the elderly. If the weather is too hot, we have plenty of fun indoor activities for your loved one to enjoy in our cool, air-conditioned suites. After all, there’s no risk of heat exhaustion playing virtual bingo or enjoying an ice cream cone from our Ice Cream Parlor!

Because We Care: For seniors, simply sitting outside in the heat for more than an hour can result in dehydration and heat exhaustion. If our residents are going to be on the porch or walking outside of our Grand Oaks community for more than an hour, we ensure they bring a bottle of water with them or visit one of our hydration stations to stay properly hydrated.

Want to be a member of our Grand Oaks of Palm City community? We’d love to have you! For more information, call (772) 529-6000 today.