Apr 2022
Avonbourne Residents Enjoy the Sunshine
With new garden furniture and spring in the air, our residents have been spending some time on our fully accessible terrace.
If like us you’re looking forward to the longer days of summer, you’ll have been glad of the recent sunny spells. Our Avonbourne residents have been getting outside, feeling the sun on their skin, and testing the new patio furniture ready for the season ahead. The temperature is still cool enough for jackets and cardigans now, but the mercury will be rising soon, so here are our tips for older people to stay safe in hot weather.
For most of us, the summer is a much-loved time of year with lighter evenings and warmer days, though it does not take too much extra heat for ‘comfortable’ to become ‘too hot,’ and for the very young or the elderly, being too hot can become dangerous. These two groups in particular are vulnerable to higher temperatures because their bodies are less able to adjust to significant increases in temperature. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion become very real risks, particularly as it can take longer for older people to recover from the heat they’ve experienced. Signs to look out for that might need specialist medical care include nausea, headaches, dizziness, confusion and cramping muscles.
Here are our 6 tips for staying safe in hot weather:
- Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am-3pm)
However tempting it might be to be outside, the sun is at its hottest during this time so stay inside. If you must be outside, try to limit the time and find a shady place under a tree or umbrella. Don’t forget, the sun moves, so what might be shady when you go outside might not stay shady!
- Keep cool inside.
Find a comfortable spot inside, ideally in a room that does not get direct sunlight streaming in, though if necessary, keep blinds down and curtains closed to stop the sun from heating up your space. Once the temperature outside has fallen, open windows if safe to do so.
- Cover up.
Whilst it might seem like bare skin will keep you cooler, lightweight, loose clothing that covers skin will do a better job, and prevent sunburn. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and in lighter colours, and don’t forget a hat.
- Cool down.
Put fabric like a flannel or handkerchief under the cold tap, wring out, and then place on your wrist, forehead or the back of you neck to help keep cool. A fan can help create a little breeze, and cool baths or showers will also help.
- Drink lots.
Staying hydrated is absolutely vital, even if you don’t feel especially thirsty. Keep sipping water throughout the day, and try to avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee that increase dehydration. Alcohol should also be avoided for the same reason. We lose a lot of fluid when we sweat so it is important to replace that by drinking water or fruit juice.
- Plan ahead.
The hottest days are rarely a complete surprise so when warm days are forecast, stock up with essentials so you have everything you need, and can avoid going outside unless you really have to.
Brits really do love to talk about the weather, generally because it varies so much. We are generally unaccustomed to higher temperatures though, so it pays to be prepared to minimise the risk to our health. AgeUK has more information on keeping cool in a heatwave.
The forecast is good for the long weekend so we’re hoping to make the most of the weather, as long as it doesn’t get too hot!