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In honor of National Picnic Day, we thought it would be fitting to offer tips to enjoy an outdoor summer picnic with family and friends. If you are inviting an aging loved one, consider these five tips to help make event planning for seniors a little easier.
- Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must! Failing to properly apply sunblock to you and your loved one is a crucial mistake you cannot afford. Another common error is forgetting to reapply which is as important as applying it in the first place! As we age, our skin becomes more frail and thin, so remind your loved ones to bring the sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Also, according to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount while about one-shot glass worth of sunblock is enough to fully cover the body. Grandma might agree a shot glass comes in handier than you think ;)
- Medications
Certain medications often prescribed to seniors become more sensitive in the sun. It can increase risk of stroke or sun poisoning, so remaining aware of the side effects is vital. Ask your loved one’s doctor or attending nurse if they live in an assisted living community for their list of medications to ensure it is being taken correctly. Let them know they may be in the sun longer than normal, so they can determine the best course of action.
- Easy, Healthy Meals
When planning a picnic, your loved one’s health is also a top priority. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure and more are common in the elderly and should be treated as such. Keeping these diets in mind, heart-healthy meals are always a good idea, especially a Mediterranean diet. This diet incorporates nutritious plant-based foods such as fruits and veggies, whole grains and nuts, all easy to prepare. Drinking red wine in moderation has a lot of health benefits as well that pares nicely with a cheese and veggie tray.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also key for aging loved ones. Keep it simple and offer pitchers of water so guests remember to drink it. Provide fruits that are also high in water content to go with the Mediterranean diet, so you are not only eating healthy but increasing your water intake. A few suggestions include celery watermelon, salad, strawberries, and cucumbers.
- Identify Warning Signs
We all know on a summer day, the sun in Central Florida is extremely powerful. Recognizing warning signs of heat-related illnesses in seniors may be key in helping them to receive treatment in time in the event care is needed. For older adults, this occurs more frequently than in younger adults. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers this quick tip sheet for early warning signs and what to do for the illness.
These tips will ensure a safe and comfortable day outside in the sun with your loved ones! It is also good to note that different assisted living facilities in the Central Florida area will organize events that involve outdoor activities, picnics being a pretty big hit. If you are interested in learning about what senior living communities offer in Central Florida, call North Star Senior Advisors today at 407-796-1582 or visit our website.
Share this article on social media!
In honor of National Picnic Day, we thought it would be fitting to offer tips to enjoy an outdoor summer picnic with family and friends. If you are inviting an aging loved one, consider these five tips to help make event planning for seniors a little easier.
- Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must! Failing to properly apply sunblock to you and your loved one is a crucial mistake you cannot afford. Another common error is forgetting to reapply which is as important as applying it in the first place! As we age, our skin becomes more frail and thin, so remind your loved ones to bring the sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Also, according to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount while about one-shot glass worth of sunblock is enough to fully cover the body. Grandma might agree a shot glass comes in handier than you think ;)
- Medications
Certain medications often prescribed to seniors become more sensitive in the sun. It can increase risk of stroke or sun poisoning, so remaining aware of the side effects is vital. Ask your loved one’s doctor or attending nurse if they live in an assisted living community for their list of medications to ensure it is being taken correctly. Let them know they may be in the sun longer than normal, so they can determine the best course of action.
- Easy, Healthy Meals
When planning a picnic, your loved one’s health is also a top priority. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure and more are common in the elderly and should be treated as such. Keeping these diets in mind, heart-healthy meals are always a good idea, especially a Mediterranean diet. This diet incorporates nutritious plant-based foods such as fruits and veggies, whole grains and nuts, all easy to prepare. Drinking red wine in moderation has a lot of health benefits as well that pares nicely with a cheese and veggie tray.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also key for aging loved ones. Keep it simple and offer pitchers of water so guests remember to drink it. Provide fruits that are also high in water content to go with the Mediterranean diet, so you are not only eating healthy but increasing your water intake. A few suggestions include celery watermelon, salad, strawberries, and cucumbers.
- Identify Warning Signs
We all know on a summer day, the sun in Central Florida is extremely powerful. Recognizing warning signs of heat-related illnesses in seniors may be key in helping them to receive treatment in time in the event care is needed. For older adults, this occurs more frequently than in younger adults. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers this quick tip sheet for early warning signs and what to do for the illness.
These tips will ensure a safe and comfortable day outside in the sun with your loved ones! It is also good to note that different assisted living facilities in the Central Florida area will organize events that involve outdoor activities, picnics being a pretty big hit. If you are interested in learning about what senior living communities offer in Central Florida, call North Star Senior Advisors today at 407-796-1582 or visit our website.
