Summer is right around the corner! For many, this is the best part of the year when you can enjoy more time outside and soak up the sun. It’s important to keep in mind that for our senior population, the summer can pose some serious health risks and precautions should be taken. And aside from physical health concerns, the summer months can be equally as lonely or isolating as the rest of the year, especially for those who don’t have regular interaction from loved ones. Take a look at a few of our top tips for helping seniors stay healthy in the summer – and consider using some of these ideas to take care of your own aging loved one.

Do something active daily.

During the summer months, the weather is warm and the days are long so it may seem like an easy time to stay active. But for our aging seniors, the increased risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion, combined with any other health limitations can make it difficult to get out of the house and find something active to do daily. The good news is even a little movement every day is better than none at all. Some great options for summer activities include walking, stretching, yoga, and even seated exercises with light weights. Check with your local gyms and community centers to see if they offer in-person or virtual workout programs for seniors. Programs like Silver Sneakers may be available at little to no cost and will also provide a social component which is a bonus.

Get fresh air.

As the weather allows, open the windows and doors and allow fresh air to come in. This is great for air circulation and can offer some natural cooling of the house if you open the windows at night or in the early morning. You can also get fresh air by sitting outside, walking, or getting out to a park. Fresh air can boost your immune system and provide an emotional boost as well. When you’re out in nature you’re more likely to take in the sights and sounds of the season, like the blue sky, birds and other animals, as well as other people.

Find mentally stimulating activities.

In addition to physical activity, it’s important for our seniors to find mentally stimulating activities to strengthen their mind and memory. There are so many options including the traditional word searches and puzzles, as well as more tech savvy tools like phone apps that offer a myriad of mind-challenging games. This isn’t only important in the summer; it’s important year-round which is why seniors should continue their mental activities during this season as well.

Stay cool and hydrated during peak sunlight hours.

And finally, staying cool and hydrated during peak heat and sunlight hours is critically important during the summer for our seniors. Between the hours of 10am and 2pm tends to be when the sun is strongest. Temperatures can soar during these hours and too much time spent outside can result in fatigue, dehydration, or heat exhaustion/stroke. Aging adults are particularly susceptible to these effects of the heat and sun, so they should limit the time they spend outside when it’s hottest. Instead, opt for indoor activities, especially in air conditioned spaces. And time your outdoor activities for early in the morning or after the sun has gone down.

How do you plan to stay healthy and active this summer? Do you have another tip to add to this list, especially for our senior adults? Share your ideas by leaving a comment.

Social distancing due to COVID-19 will likely have an impact on summer activities. Trips may need to be postponed or canceled, family reunions may not be able to take place as planned, and friends and families may need to engage virtually instead of in-person. For our aging seniors, this distance can feel vast, especially if they have already had limited engagement with family and friends. To help lessen the distance, we provided some tips and ideas for making summer still feel special for your aging loved ones, even if you can’t be together in person. Take a look!

Make family reunions virtual.

It’s likely family reunion gathers may not be able to happen in the same ways this year. For your aging loved ones who may really miss seeing family, especially younger generations, there is still something special you can do you make them feel connected. Ask your extended family to share a current photo of their family and put these into a slide show you can share with everyone. Include the names and ages of everyone in the photos so your aging loved one can recognize who they are and how they are related. Best of all, this is a great keepsake for the future and possibly something you’ll keep up with every year.

Commit to regular communication.

Even as our schedules become more relaxed in the summer, things can still get so busy that we forget to check in regularly with our aging parents or grandparents. Make a commitment to talk with them by phone or video, or send a text message to them at least once per week. Share a story or a photo, or simply ask about their day. Knowing that they can expect at least one communication from your family per week will give them something to look forward to and make them feel loved.

Make a summer scrapbook to share your memories.

Even if you can all be together this summer, many memories will still take place. Document as many of these memories as you can by taking photos. Then at the end of summer put these photos into a scrap book to mail to your loved one. They will be thrilled to browse through all the memories and see how the children have grown throughout the summer. This will become a cherished possession they can return to time and time again.

Send a summer care package.

Speaking of mailing something special, put together a summer care package for your senior parents or grandparents. This can include items like a new hat or visor to wear when outside, gardening gloves and seed packets if they like to garden, or a new book or notebook, or their favorite tea or treat. Think of small items that might be most useful during the summer months and that will also brighten their day. We all love to receive something thoughtful in the mail, and even more so during social distancing when we all can’t be together.

Become old fashioned pen pals.

This final idea is a blast from the past. Pick up a pen and paper and write a series of “summer letters” to your parents or grandparents. Aim to mail them one once per week. These can be short and simple, sharing what your family did this week or maybe some milestone or special stories. Ask them to try to write a response to each letter and mail it back. And get the kids involved! Sure, this takes a little more work than a quick phone call, but the thought and keepsake of the letters means so much more.

How will this summer be different for you and your family amidst COVID-19? Share how you plan to stay connected even if you can’t all be together in person. Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.