Summer Safety Tips for Seniors Living in Richmond, VA
According to the NIH, older adults have a higher risk of illness and death from high temperatures. Staying cool during the summer is a priority for the Virginian community to ensure comfort and health.
Since Richmond, Virginia, has a humid subtropical climate, you don't want to underestimate the sun's impact. To escape from the heat, without sacrificing summer fun, you can live in a lively community at Virginian. Regardless of the weather, our residents can enjoy life beyond retirement.
Keep reading to discover the most useful summer safety tips for Richmond, Virginia, residents!
Monitor Outdoor Allergy Conditions
When considering seasonal senior health, you don't want to overlook allergies. Throughout the summer, Richmond experiences an increase in allergens from grass and weed pollen.
Accounting for allergies when you consider outdoor wellness is essential. Many weather stations track pollen and air conditions, which can be useful to look at before outdoor excursions. If you have to reschedule plans due to outdoor allergies, you can take advantage of our lively community and spend time with neighbors.
Overlooking allergens can result in discomfort and difficulty breathing. To prevent allergic reactions, avoid high-pollen days outside.
Consider UV Safety and Apply Sunscreen
The CDC recently reported that most skin cancers stem from too much exposure to UV light (typically the sun). Protection from UV rays is essential year-round, but even more so in the summer.
UV rays can penetrate through clothing and take a toll on exposed skin. To safeguard your health and skin, regularly apply sunscreen on your body. Depending on the sunscreen, you may need to reapply it throughout the day for full coverage.
If sunscreen irritates your skin, there are many other forms of sun protection to consider. UV-blocking clothing and accessories can protect your skin with minimal effort. These options are practical and ideal for adults who want convenience and comfort.
Prepare for Hot Days
Our community offers heat protection through a variety of amenities. Aside from our comfortable temperatures, we have other features of heat protection for seniors.
Fortunately, by following the weather, you can discover when the temperature will rise. One of the best summer safety tips is to make a plan for these situations to avoid overheating.
Whether you need to run errands or want to visit the park, try to do so before the heat arrives. Saving indoor activities and venues for hot days can help with temperature regulation and keep you safe.
Our senior living community has a calendar packed with daily events and classes to keep residents active. By considering the needs of our residents and the environment, our residents can make the most of each day.
Keep Hydrated
Richmond, Virginia, is fortunate enough to experience all seasons of the year. Even during the summer, cooler days or evenings may occur, but you must always prioritize hydration in aging.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, older adults face an increased risk of dehydration. If you want to combat these natural challenges and enjoy summer, get into a routine of tracking your water intake.
At Virginian, we help support residents by prioritizing safety and comfort. Our team provides residents with the support they need, without sacrificing independence. Independent living with supportive services encourages self-care and monitors resident health.
Defend Against Pests and Plants
Humid subtropical climates are comfortable and warm, but the high temperatures also keep the bugs around.
Mosquitoes and ticks are commonly found in Richmond, Virginia. By avoiding stagnant water and poorly maintained areas, you can protect yourself. Beetles and stink bugs are also common around this area, but pose less of a threat to your health.
The Tree-of-Heaven is an invasive plant species that grows in the Virginia region. This plant quickly grows and can release chemicals that prevent other wildlife from growing. Avoiding this plant, along with poison ivy, can prevent skin irritations.
Our community grounds are regularly cleaned and cut to avoid these pests from taking over. You can take comfort without leaving your home, and there are always neighbors nearby to join.
Rest and Recover
Spending time in the sun can take a toll on the body, even days after you were outside. If you are about to or have already spent time in the sun, give your body ample time to recover.
Sleeping and staying in a cool room can prevent you from heat exhaustion and being over-exposed to the sun. Our community is active and fun, but you can still prioritize rest with your neighbors.
Preparing your body for outdoor excursions requires a full night of sleep. A lack of sleep has been shown to disrupt the body's temperature regulation, according to Sleep Education data.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Did you know that Virginian Senior Living Community residents enjoy made-from-scratch meals daily?
Our chefs combine comfort and international cuisines with healthy ingredients to nourish residents. By incorporating delicious flavors with healthy ingredients, our residents have plenty of energy.
The best part about eating in our community is that it feels like a restaurant. Our food quality and tableside services provide perfect comfort when you want to avoid the summer heat. While you take mouthwatering bites of seasonal produce, you can also connect with neighbors.
Prioritizing health and companionship is central to our community. If you want to explore other residents' experiences, take a moment to read our testimonials!
Soak up the Sun with These Summer Safety Tips
Following these summer safety tips can help keep you safe and comfortable in our community. Viginian prioritizes health and independence so that residents are excited to wake up each day.
Improving your well-being will become a way of life at Virginian. Regardless of the season, we want to protect our residents so they can savor every minute with minimal discomfort. While the summer and sun can come with a few risks, you can take preventative measures.
Are you ready to live in a community with friendly neighbors and picturesque grounds? To schedule a tour, contact our team at (804) 917-0900 or complete a brief online form!