The sun is shining, neighborhoods are hives of activity, and there’s so much to do as summer is in full swing.
Getting out of the house during the summer months helps keep the body active, while also being great for mental health as well.
In this blog, we’re going to look at ways to keep active during the summer, along with important tips for staying safe while doing so.
Outdoor House and Yard Work
One of the great things about the summer months is how easy it is to get exercise while just going about day-to-day tasks. Keeping up with your yardwork is a workout in itself – consider all the exercise you can get by tending to your yard or garden:
- Mowing
- Weeding
- Trimming
- Planting flowers, shrubs or small trees
- Raking the grass
Of course, it’s important not to overextend yourself while you’re taking care of your home and yard. Know how much your body can handle and stay within your limits. If you’re finding that you’re feeling aches and pain that won’t go away after doing yard work, make sure to talk to your physician.
If you’re finding certain tasks are becoming too taxing on your body, perhaps there’s a neighborhood teenager looking to make a few extra dollars who can help!
Summer Games And Activities
Summer activity doesn’t have to be all house and yard work – you should get out and play as well! You’re never too old to take part in fun games and competitions with family, friends and loved ones.
Here are some popular outdoor games and activities you might want to try:
- Beanbag baseball/cornhole
- Bocce
- Mini or Frisbee golf
- Croquet
- Badminton
- Horseshoes
- Ladder Ball
- Yoga or Zumba in the park
Staying active is vital to health and longevity. For older adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes per week of physical activity. While that number may seem daunting, it breaks down to just 30 minutes, five days a week.
The great part about exercise is that along with the physical benefits, it supports mood, sleep, and cognitive health.
If It’s Not Too Hot, Head For A Walk!
One of the best outdoor activities you can do for your health is also one of the simplest: head out for a walk!
A regular walking regimen can have a wide variety of positive effects, including:
- Building muscle
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Helping improve balance to reduce falls
- Reducing blood pressure (more on heart health below)
- Strengthening bones and joints
- Keeping joints flexible
- Strengthening the immune system
There are also a host of mental and cognitive benefits as well – learn more with this blog entry.
Don’t Wait – Hydrate
While you’re outside with friends and family, to keep the fun going, keep the water flowing! It’s vital for older adults to remain hydrated, particularly during the hot summer months.
Our relationship with thirst changes as we age – older adults don’t notice thirst as easily as during younger years. And then strangely, the longer older adults go without water, the less thirsty they feel, leading them to drink even less.
But there are a variety of health issues that can arise from dehydration – webmd.com notes the following:
- Problems with memory
- Poor concentration
- Slow reaction times
- Feeling extra tired
- Weakness
- More falls
- Pressure sores
- Skin conditions
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney problems
- Constipation
To prevent the health challenges caused by dehydration, the National Council on Aging offers the following guidance: “As a general rule, you should take one-third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink at least 50 ounces, or about 6 cups, of water each day.”
To help keep yourself hydrated, consider buying a hydroflask, filling it up with water and keeping it with you throughout the day, particularly when you’re outside.
Staying Safe in the Sun
Who doesn’t love the feeling of the warm sun on their face? Especially if you live in a climate with colder winters.
But catching those rays can come at a cost. Adults 65 and over have the highest rates of skin cancer of any demographic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips to stay safe:
- Stay in the shade
- Use sunscreen
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear clothing to the ankles
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt
Meanwhile, as the mercury rises, if your home doesn’t have air conditioning, local libraries and rec centers are great options to pass the time in a cool building. Meanwhile, many communities open cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. Look into the options near you to stay cool in the summer months.
Sunny Days at Prestige
Here at Prestige, there’s so many ways we celebrate sunny days!
Our teams are always coming up with fun activities for residents during the summer, while being sure to keep hydrated and safe.
From yard games to gardening to walking clubs, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy summer fun.
To learn more about our summer activity calendars, or to schedule a tour, contact the Prestige location nearest you!
