According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), older adults who maintain an active lifestyle (physically, socially, and productively) live longer, are happier, have more success coping when something negative happens, and are less likely to develop diseases, such as heart disease, dementia, or have a stroke.
So, don’t let the summer stop you from enjoying yourself. Keep reading to learn about fun summer activities for seniors in Phoenix, Arizona.
What Should Seniors Do During the Summer in Phoenix, Arizona?
When it comes to summer activities for seniors, it’s important to note that seniors should always keep cool and take precautions, such as:
- Always wear sunblock and reapply every two hours
- Wear loose-fitting light fabrics
- Purchase and use cooling towels for when you must be outdoors
- Avoid the outdoors during the peak hours of heat
- Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water
Consider the following options for staying active and having fun this summer:
Find Indoor Ways to Safely Get Some Exercise
Whether it’s mall walking or signing up for a fitness class for seniors, finding activities that keep your body moving in an air-conditioned environment can help keep you active and engaged.
Consider indoor activities, such as:
- A water aerobics class
- A senior yoga, pilates, or Tai Chi class
- Indoor bocce ball
- Play pickleball at an indoor court
- Browse at an indoor mall
Enjoy Indoor Leisure Activities
The summer heat can be brutal and for seniors, quite dangerous. This is why spending the afternoons indoors is going to be ideal. Luckily, Phoenix has multiple senior centers you can check out. You can also consider spending an afternoon seeing a movie or two at your local movie theater, where it’s nice and cool, or seeing if a friend or relative wants to try out a new restaurant.
Learn Something New That Interests You
When you’re trying to stay cool indoors during the summer anyway, it could be the ideal time to learn something new. Whether it’s learning more about a topic that interests you, or learning a new skill, find a way to engage with new ideas and interesting facts by:
- Visiting one (or more) of Arizona’s many museums
- Finding out if your local community college offers a senior discount for taking classes (many do)
- Taking an art class
- Taking a dance class
- Considering a specific type of cooking class
Spend the Cool Parts of the Early Morning Outdoors
Being cooped up all summer can quickly become lonely and depressing. So, be sure to make time to get outdoors and get some fresh air. Taking a morning walk around the neighborhood, taking a low-impact morning hike with the family, or meeting a friend at a nearby park for a stroll can be a good change of scenery.
Take Advantage of Alone Time
When the heat is particularly bad and you must stay indoors with the air conditioning blasting, try not to let your mind get too stagnant.
Consider passing the time by:
- Reading a good book
- Calling an old friend
- Doing a puzzle
- Writing a poem or short story
- Listening to music
The Importance of Staying Cool in the Summer Heat
According to Harvard Medicine Magazine, an estimated 12,000 people die annually of heat-related illnesses, and up to 80% of these people are over the age of 60. Unfortunately, seniors are more at risk of succumbing to heat-related illnesses due to the aging process making their bodies hold in more heat, while simultaneously being less able to cool themselves. Older glands are slow to sweat, older hearts pump blood more slowly, and other issues with aging make it harder to indicate when the body is overheating.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, heat exhaustion is when the body has lost too much water and salt through sweating, without water/salt being replenished. This leads to the body becoming unable to cool itself. This can eventually lead to heatstroke, if not treated by cooling off and replenishing fluids and electrolytes.
The following are symptoms of heat exhaustion to watch out for:
- Cramping or spasms in the muscles
- Clammy skin
- Nausea
- Fever
- Fatigue/weakness
- Anxiousness
- Dizziness/feeling lightheaded
- Vomiting/diarrhea
Warning: If the patient isn’t able to consume fluids and/or is vomiting, take them to the nearest emergency room for IV fluids. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911.
Consider an Assisted Living Facility
If you or a loved one struggles with the Arizona heat, consider looking into assisted living communities that offer the services that would make life easier, while also providing indoor recreational activities. This can be an ideal solution to keep seniors cool, well cared for, and entertained during this difficult part of the year.
Haven Health Is Here To Help
At Haven Health, you will find an assisted living facility that cares and treats every patient as an individual, as we prioritize treatment plans catered to every patient’s needs. Haven Health’s assisted nursing services include:
- Housing
- Full-service dining
- 24-hour caregiving assistance (if required)
- Access to 24/7 skilled nursing services
- Onsite recreational activities
- Transportation services for doctor’s appointments
Summers can be a difficult time for seniors. However, with a little planning ahead, seniors can be ready to have some fun this summer. For seniors struggling to get around, consider an assisted living facility to assist with this issue, and help keep them safe and entertained this summer.
Are you looking for an assisted living facility in Arizona? Contact Haven Health today to learn about the services we offer.
Sources:
Dutchen, S. (n.d.). The Effects of Heat on Older Adults.
Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke). (n.d.).
Participating in Activities You Enjoy as You Age. (2022).