During the summer, Northern California often faces intense heat waves that can be daunting, especially for older adults. These heatwaves can push temperatures into the high 90s and even over 110 degrees in some areas.

Such extreme heat puts older adults at high risk for heat-related illnesses. It’s crucial to stay cool and take precautions during these hot spells to ensure your safety and well-being.

At Sierra Senior Services, your well-being is our priority, and we want to ensure that you can relish the beauty of summer without any discomfort or risks. Here’s our comprehensive guide to sun safety and staying cool this summer.

Tips to Stay Cool and Sun Safe This Summer

While the sun brings cheer and warmth, it also emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can be harmful to your skin and overall health. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, especially for those with mobility challenges. Let’s walk through some essential tips to keep you safe and comfortable.

Sunscreen is Your Best Friend

Choose a High SPF: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply Generously: Cover all exposed skin, including face, neck, ears, and hands. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating.

Don’t Forget Lip Balm: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from getting chapped or sunburned.

Dress Smart

Wear Light Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors reflect the sun’s rays and help keep you cooler.

Hats and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and protect your face and neck. Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare.

Stay Hydrated

Drink Plenty of Water: Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Proper hydration is vital in preventing heat-related illnesses.

Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your meals. Watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges are excellent choices.

Create a Cool Environment

Use Fans and Air Conditioning: Ensure your living space is well-ventilated. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans to circulate air. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cool.

Cool Showers or Baths: Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. A damp, cool cloth on your neck and wrists can also provide relief.

Choose the Right Time for Outdoor Activities

Avoid Peak Sun Hours: The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you need to go outside, try to schedule activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Find Shade: When outdoors, stay in shaded areas as much as possible. Trees, umbrellas, and canopies can provide necessary relief from direct sunlight.

Take Advantage of Community Resources

Meal Delivery Service: Our dedicated team at Sierra Senior Services is here to help. With our reliable Meals on Wheels service, you don’t have to worry about stepping out in the heat. We deliver nutritious, delicious meals right to your doorstep.

Regular Check-Ins: If you live alone, consider arranging regular check-ins with family, friends, or our team. Having someone monitor your well-being can ensure you’re safe during extreme heat conditions.

Community Resources: Utilize local resources like libraries, community centers, and cooling centers where you can spend time in an air-conditioned environment.

• Monitor the Weather  (weather.gov)
• Preventing Heat-Related Illness (Centers for Disease Control)
• Locate a  Cooling Center  (Cal OES)
• Heat and Older Adults (Centers for Disease Control)
• About Water and Healthier Drinks (Center for Disease Control)
• Subscribe to Flex Alerts  to Conserve Electricity (California ISO)
• California Heat Assessment Tool (California Natural Resources Agency)
• Agency on Aging Area 4 Website

Listen to Your Body

Recognize Warning Signs: Pay attention to symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, confusion, fainting, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, or dry, hot skin. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Rest Often: Don’t hesitate to take frequent breaks, sit down, and relax with a cool drink. Overexertion can make you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

To wrap up, enjoying the summer while staying safe and comfortable is entirely possible with a few mindful steps. Sierra Senior Services is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s through our home-delivered meals, wellness checks, or tips like these, your safety and happiness are always our top priorities.

Stay cool, stay safe, and let’s make this summer a pleasant one together!

Sierra Senior Services is the local Meals on Wheels provider covering the Greater Truckee/Lake Tahoe region. We provide home-delivered meals and can make referrals for additional support services that empower seniors to continue living independently. Sierra Senior Services is a California 501-(c)-3 Non-profit Corporation · Tax ID 68-0484075 Contribute today!