Sun and Heat Safety Tips for Seniors

Want to enjoy some sunshine in your golden years? Good news: Spending time outside can help improve mental health, reduce stress and support healthy aging.

However, the sun’s high temperatures become more dangerous as you age. That’s because your body has to work extra hard to keep you cool, putting more strain on your heart and other organs.

With that in mind, consider these tips to help you stay cool, protect your skin from UV rays and prevent heat-related illnesses this summer.

Time Your Outings

• Go outside before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to avoid peak UV intensity.

• In extreme heat, try not to spend more than a few minutes outside at a time.

Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

Did you know that sunburn can increase your body temperature? To protect yourself:

• Apply a thick layer of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen to all uncovered areas of your body.

• Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out UVA and UVB rays.

• Make sure the sunscreen is less than three years old.

• Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Dress for the Weather

To stay cool and help protect your skin from UV rays:

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

• Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen.

• Consider clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

• Wear a dry t -shirt or cover up after swimming.

Watch Your Head

• Pull on a wide-brimmed canvas hat to shade your face, neck and ears.

• Skip the straw hats with holes that let sunlight in.

• If you wear a baseball cap, apply plenty of sunscreen to your ears and the back of your neck.

• If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head.

Shield Your Eyes

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.

• Choose sunglasses labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.”

• Consider wraparound frames that cover the entire eye socket.

Stick to the Shade

• Spend time in shady spots under umbrellas or trees.

• Even in the shade, wear sunscreen and sun-safe clothing to protect your skin.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink extra water early in the day.

• Always keep a water bottle with you.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

• If you’re taking water pills or your doctor has restricted your fluid intake, ask how much you should drink in hot weather.

Consider Your Health Conditions

You may need to take extra steps to stay healthy on hot days if:

• You have lung, kidney or heart disease, which can increase the risk of heat illness.

• You take antihistamines for allergies, cholesterol-lowering drugs or blood pressure medications. Meds like these can impact your body’s ability to sweat and to circulate blood, increasing your temperature and potentially causing heat stroke when the temperatures are extremely high .

Talk to your doctor for individualized recommendations based on your health conditions.

Stay Cool at Home

If the heat risk is severe, stay in your air-conditioned home and:

• Take a cool shower or bath.

• Use drapes, sheets or sun-blocking shades to cover your windows.

• Limit oven use.

• Get plenty of rest.

Make a Backup Plan

If your power is out or you don’t have air-conditioning:

• Visit your local ArchWell Health center for a fun class or game day.

• Take a trip to your local library or community center.

• Contact ArchWell Health to help you find another place to cool down.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Fainting

• Confusion

• Not sweating

• Dry, flushed skin

• Strong, fast pulse or weak, slow pulse

If you or a loved one are experiencing heat stroke , call your ArchWell Health provider or your primary care doctor right away.

ArchWell Health Is Here to Help

At ArchWell Health, your safety and well-being are our priority. Talk with your care team for help making a plan to prevent heat-related illness this summer. The plan could include things like how you’ll stay hydrated, what you’ll do if your air-conditioning goes out, and knowing the signs of heatstroke.

Staying safe in the sun and extreme heat is just one way ArchWell Health can help you live a healthy lifestyle. Discover more benefits of becoming a member today.