The Benefits and the Risks of Summer Sun

Summertime! The perfect time to get outside and do all of those fun activities that were curtailed all winter long. It’s the time of year for beach parties, backyard barbecues, outdoor festivals, and so much more. Your elderly loved one has been waiting to get out and enjoy the sun just as much as you and your kiddos. There are some extra precautions you’ll want to take to help your senior stay safe this summer while still getting out and enjoying it, so make plans now to keep your senior safe in the sun so she can reap the benefits of it while staying protected. With their 24-hour home care providers helping them before they attend the next summer event, they’ll have a leg up on staying safe in the sun.

Health Benefits of the Sun for Seniors

Vitamin D

One of the largest benefits that the sun offers everyone, is its ability to help the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for seniors because it’s key in keeping bones healthy. Healthy bones can reduce the risk of bone breakage or fracture in seniors who have lost a lot of their bone strength. Vitamin D is also crucial for a healthy immune system as well as muscle strength.

Improved Mood

Winter months are hard not only because they’re often cold, but also because of the lack of sunlight. The sun helps the body produce serotonin, a hormone that is believed to help boost a person’s mood and generate feelings of well-being.

Better Sleep

Another benefit of being exposed to the sun (even indirectly) each day is the way it can help your senior sleep better. The brighter days help the body react more strongly to the darker nights and suppress melatonin production, signaling that it’s time to sleep.

Health Risks Associated with Sun Exposure

While the benefits of getting out and enjoying a sunny day are wonderful for your senior, some risks need to be reduced so that your senior doesn’t get harmed by the sun exposure she receives.

Sunburn. Often the most talked about concern of too much sun, sunburn can be not only painful but lead to more serious consequences such as skin cancer.

Heat Illness. When the sun comes out in the summer, it brings its heat with it. Elderly individuals are more likely to succumb to heat illnesses like heat stroke.

Dehydration. The warm sun can also increase the likelihood of dehydration if your senior doesn’t drink enough water while she’s out in the sun.

Eye Damage. Unprotected eyes are more likely to develop eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts which can greatly reduce your loved one’s ability to see clearly.

Keeping Your Senior Safe in the Sun Before She Steps Outside

Many safety steps should be taken before your elderly loved one heads out to enjoy a fun summertime activity. If they have a 24-hour home care team that helps them manage their home, they can have one of their 24-hour home care providers help them protect themselves before they head out the door. Some steps their 24-hour home care team should take to keep them safe are applying sunscreen before they leave the house, making sure they have all of their protective accessories with them, and even ensuring they have a filled water bottle to keep them hydrated.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Alpharetta, GA, please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712