Senior Living News

Having some heat-busting tips and tricks up your sleeve can help you enjoy your usual activities without risking heat-related illnesses. Below, we'll explain how to keep your cool as the mercury rises.

Why Heat Safety Matters for Older Adults

Hot weather can cause health problems at any age, but the risk of developing heatstroke and other health problems associated with higher temperatures increases as you get older. According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors have a higher risk of heat-related illnesses because age can impact the body's temperature regulation abilities. Certain age-related conditions can also increase the chances of illness in hot weather, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Taking certain medications, such as drugs used to control high blood pressure
• Age-related skin changes
• Lung disease
• Kidney disease

Understanding how to stay safe in the heat is particularly important in a hot state. Arizona was the second hottest state in America in July 2023, with an average temperature of 85.7 degrees F, second only to Texas by less than 1 degree.

6 Ways to Stay Cool and Comfortable This Summer

Fortunately, you don't have to stop doing the activities you love in your independent living community (or move to Alaska) to stay safe in the Arizona heat. Here are some practical, low-effort ways to keep cool while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle:

1. Dress for Hot Weather

Light, breathable fabrics allow hot, sweaty air to escape and cool your skin. Avoid dark colors to prevent heat absorption, and opt for loose, floaty styles for maximum comfort. Synthetic fabrics are notorious for trapping heat, so consider natural materials such as cotton and linen.

2. Avoid the Hottest Parts of the Day

If you love getting out and about in the warm summer weather, avoiding the hottest parts of the day allows you to enjoy the sunshine while skipping the highest and most dangerous temperatures. There's a common misconception that temperatures peak at midday when the sun is highest. However, it takes time for the earth to absorb the heat, shifting the hottest period to later in the day.

Generally, you can expect the heat to peak between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Staying indoors in an air-conditioned space during this timeframe can help you avoid overheating. While temperatures decrease in the evening, early morning is the coolest time to enjoy outdoor activities in your independent living community.

3. Practice Sun Safety

Protecting your skin is essential to reduce the risk of sunburn. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply regularly throughout the day. Your clothing can also help shield you from the sun's rays — consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers or skirts and a wide-brimmed hat to cover as much of your skin as possible.

Exposing burned skin to sunlight can worsen the inflammation, so it's wise to head for shade if you start to burn. You can treat sunburn by applying cool water and soy- or aloe-based moisturizers to reduce pain and encourage healing.

4. Cool Your Skin

Your skin allows heat to escape, and using water to moisten it increases heat loss through evaporation. An ice-cold shower will likely cool your body too rapidly, but bathing in comfortably cool water is an effective way to beat overheating. Alternatively, you could head to the swimming pool to cool off — just be careful to avoid outdoor swimming during the hottest parts of the day.

Consider investing in cooling sprays to spritz yourself throughout the day when the heat becomes overwhelming. Wearing a damp shirt also encourages cooling through evaporation for comfort in sweltering weather.

5. Stay Hydrated

Due to natural age-related changes, the risk of dehydration is higher for seniors than for younger adults. Good hydration is even more critical in hotter weather because the body loses more water through sweating.

While plain old H2O is the best beverage for staying hydrated, juices and non-caffeinated teas are also good options. If you struggle to drink regularly throughout the day, consider adding water-rich foods, such as strawberries, cucumber and celery, to your meals for an extra boost. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are diuretics and may cause you to lose water through more frequent urination, so they're best avoided on scorching days.

6. Find Cool Havens

At LifeStream at Sun City, every independent living apartment includes air conditioning to keep you safe and comfortable during summer. However, you can also stay safe while exploring Sun City and the surrounding area by identifying places to cool down. 

Many public buildings offer air-conditioned sanctuary from the heat, including libraries, museums and shopping malls. Knowing where to find cool spaces when out and about allows you to get relief quickly if the heat becomes too much.