Regular exercise is an important part of your senior’s health. While your elderly loved one doesn’t need to be attending a Spin Class or jogging 10 miles every day, she does need to have regular cardiovascular exercise every day. The benefits of regular exercise are plenty – from better stamina and energy to a reduction in risk of developing certain diseases to better mental health. The health benefits of regular exercise are too many to list. Companion care at home providers can ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
But keeping your loved one safe and healthy during the summer season while exercising might require some changes in how she regularly exercises. The extreme heat, sun, and humidity of summer can all negate the positive perks of exercise if they cause harm to your loved one.
To keep safe this summer while being active, have your senior consider these five tips when planning her activity.
Move outdoor activities to the early morning or early evening. If your loved one likes to get her physical activity with pastimes like walking or gardening, consider having her change the time she does it to a time when the sun isn’t at full strength. If a companion care at home provider accompanies her for these activities, talk to the companion care at home team to alter when they visit so that your loved one can make this adjustment.
Change activities. While walking is wonderful in the spring and fall months (and winter if you’re far south enough), it still may be too hot all day in the peak summer months. Consider seeing if your loved one would like to do an activity like swimming to keep cool in the heat while still getting great exercise.
Change locations. During the hottest summer months, it might be best to move any physical activity indoors. Look for air-conditioned places that your senior can still walk around in – like a mall or fitness center. A companion care at home provider can help by providing transportation to and from the location if your senior is no longer driving. She might even want to move her swimming to an indoor pool if her outdoor pool doesn’t provide adequate shade from the direct sun.
Exercise for shorter periods. If your loved one does want to go outside and perhaps hike around a state park or stroll through a nearby garden, consider making the visits shorter than usual. A shorter visit will still provide physical activity but will help prevent heat ailments. Also, consider taking more breaks than normal to give the body time to rest and cool off as she enjoys her activity.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. No matter what time of day or where she is active, remember to continually encourage her to drink plenty of fluids. Waiting until she’s thirsty is too late. It’s wise to drink plenty of water before she even leaves the home, and then continue to drink water consistently during her activity.
Summer is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. The sun, fresh air, and movement can enrich your loved one’s day long after she’s done exercising. By making some small changes to her routine, you can help her stay safe and healthy without stopping being active.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Smyrna TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (615) 307-4509
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Nashville, Brentwood, Nolensville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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