Q. As the summer begins to heat up, I’m concerned about my aging parents’ outdoor activities. They enjoy gardening and trail hiking. My dad plays golf at least twice a week. My mom likes to walk around outdoor craft shows and farmers markets. They even attend outdoor summer concerts. While I appreciate their active lifestyle, and by no means want to discourage it, I worry about their vulnerability to heat stroke. They often leave their cell phones indoors, which worries me even more. Do you have any tips to help my aging parents maintain their active lifestyle in the heat of the summer?
A. How wonderful to hear that your aging parents have such an active lifestyle! With a gentle approach, you can have an open and honest conversation with them, and maybe develop a plan so that you don’t have to worry about their health on those hot, summer days. Here are a few tips on how your elderly parents can continue to enjoy the great outdoors as summer heats up.
1. Encourage them to participate in outdoor activities before or after the hottest time of day. Suggest that they hit the trails at dawn, instead of waiting until midday. Schedule golf tee times for the first of the day. Advise your mom to beat the crowds at outdoor markets by going first thing in the morning. Look for outdoor concerts that start later in the evening, or earlier in the summer season, before the heat of the summer arrives.
2. Insist that they carry their cell phones on them when they head outdoors. Help them make this a habit by hanging a reminder sign near their usual exit doors. Ask them to call you before and after their outdoor activities so you know that they are safe.
3. Make sure they wear appropriate clothing for their outdoor activities. Often, older adults feel chillier, even on the hotter days, so they layer in heavy clothing. Find lightweight jackets, long sleeves, t-shirts, and pants that are made from breathable material. Many outdoor stores carry specialized clothing with built in UV protection too. The appropriate clothing will help keep your parents comfortable, without causing them to overheat.
4. Other outdoor must equipment includes sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Create a drop zone near the exit door so that your parents remember to grab their hat, sunglasses, and put on sunscreen before heading outside.
5. Encourage your parents to drink plenty of water, before, after, and during their outdoor activities. Older adults are susceptible to dehydration because their thirst reflux is slower to alert their brain of their thirst. Find a reusable, portable water bottle that your parents can carry with them. Include a water reminder on the cell phone reminder sign.
6. Finally, set boundaries with your parents about when to avoid going outdoors. Ask them to avoid the outdoors when the temperatures get above your degree threshold. Encourage them to come inside during the peak heat of the day. Remind them that your concerns are coming from a place of love, and that you can focus more on your everyday life when you know they are being safe.
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