Stay Cool This Summer with These Heat-Friendly Activities For Assisted Living Facilities
Warmer temperatures are something that most people, including seniors in assisted living facilities, look forward to after the long dark winter months. However, seniors are more prone to the harmful effects of summer heat and are at risk of dehydration.
How can your loved ones enjoy a warm afternoon with family or their friends outside? Summer activities should not be a thing of the past for senior adults.
Getting out has plenty of benefits for seniors. With careful planning and choosing of activities, your loved ones can still head outdoors with a lesser risk of summer-related health issues.
Staying Safe in the Heat
Staying outside is known to have physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Sun exposure is a good source of Vitamin D needed for healthy bones and muscles. Research also shows that sunlight can improve mood and cognitive function.
Moreover, being out is an opportunity to socialize and bond with other residents in assisted living facilities. Outdoor activities are also a great way to enjoy nature and meet new people.
Keep a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated during the summer months. As we age, it is difficult for the skin to keep hydrated and water is the best source to keep the skin healthy. Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, berries, oranges, celery, and cucumber into your diet.
Always use sunscreen protection with at least 30 SPF to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. In addition, keep your skin moisturized with the use of recommended moisturizing products.
Moisturizing every day can keep the signs of dryness due to the skin’s enhanced capacity to hold water. Moisturizer is also necessary to shield the skin from environmental damage.
Apart from sunscreen products, use appropriate clothing when doing outdoor activities. Wear shades, hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts as added layer of protection. Besides, avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day – usually, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Activity Ideas for Assisted Living Facilities
Spending time outdoors is a fun activity during the summer months. Senior residents in assisted living facilities can physically, mentally, and socially benefit from summer activities.
Gardening
Gardening is not only a fun-filled activity but also a great way to improve heart health and reduce the risks of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis due to the light aerobic activities involved like pulling, digging, twisting, and bending.
Swimming
Swimming is not only extremely beneficial for health but also a fun, yet effective way to beat the summer heat. It is an ideal summer activity for senior residents because it presents lower physical risks.
Besides, it helps develop strong bones and muscles. In addition, it improves heart health, is gentle on the joints, and boosts mental health.
Visit a Nearby Lake or Park
Spending time near the lake, pool, or park is an affordable alternative to shopping or attending local events. Dip your feet in the water, ride a boat, or just enjoy the beauty of nature.
Trivia nights, movie nights, bird watching, outdoor picnics, and summer classes, are also fun summer activities that your loved ones in assisted living facilities can try.
Looking for an excellent assisted living facility for you? Click here to check out Fallbrook Assisted Living Facility today!
Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper