Warmer, longer days signal the return of spring to the Tennessee Valley. Huntsville seniors welcome the opportunity to get outside in the sunshine and enjoy it, but they need to be aware of their mobility limitations and protect against risks such as injuries or dehydration.
For those physically able, April is a great time to be outside to tend to a garden, work on landscaping the yard or do some spring cleaning around the house. Getting in the habit of taking regular walks can improve fitness and balance. Seniors can get this exercise by doing everyday enjoyable tasks such as going fishing, bird watching, taking in a live performance, going on day trips, playing games with grandchildren, and so much more.
Some great places to explore in the area include Monte Sano State Park, the Yellowhammer Brewery, a local YMCA, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Huntsville Museum of Art, the Huntsville Depot and Museum, Sci-Quest, or the US Space and Rocket Center.
Getting outdoors is not merely a fun activity – it impacts our health, as well.
Our bodies create Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. Low levels have been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Vitamin D also impacts muscle function and bones, according to researchers at Oregon State University. Sunlight also affects the production of the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which play a role in sleep patterns and are suspected of countering infection, inflammation, cancer and auto-immunity.
How much sunlight is enough to do good without causing harm?
Scientists say 5 to 30 minutes twice a day can do the trick, but seniors and their caregivers need to be wary of summertime heat of the kind typical of humid southern summers in Huntsville. A picnic lunch is usually enough to get some fresh air without doing much harm. Best results are experienced when seniors dress in light clothing, stay hydrated by drinking fluids, and wear broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Seniors may be at greater risk of heat stroke or dehydration due to poor circulation, use of certain medications that interact with sunlight or heat, and the presence of chronic medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, kidney problems, or depression and dementia.
Caregivers and neighbors should check on frail individuals during times of extreme heat. Once summer arrives in force, it will be best to immediately move to a cool place with air conditioning and drink water. Tune in regularly to local weather forecasts so you know when to take extra care. Huntsville seniors may want to ask their doctor or pharmacist to assess their health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Sunlight can be avoided by closing awnings, curtains and blinds during the daytime. A sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher can protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays but not from the heat.
Over exertion in the heat can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, swelling of the feet and ankles, heat rash, or muscle cramps. Now, while the mornings and evenings are still cool, is the time for checking to make sure a senior’s air conditioner is working properly before the heat is really on this summer.
Regency Retirement Village offers a cool, safe place for Huntsville seniors to live. Regular outings for shopping or dinner provide ample opportunities for socializing in the sun. To learn more about Regency, call us at (256) 852-0033.