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Summer Safety Tips for Older Adults:

**Stay safe on extremely hot days**

Stay cool and stay hydrated.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
• Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it's really hot outside.
• Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
• Don't use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

Source: Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+) | Heat Health | CDC

On average summer days, it’s important to stay safe to enjoy the most of the summer season. Here are some summer safety tips.

1. Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible. If possible, plan your outdoor activities either early in the morning or when the sun starts to set. 
2. Air conditioning is your friend in summer. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have an air conditioner, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. 
3. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause you to lose water in your body by making you urinate more.
4. Dress appropriately. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes. Avoid dark-colored clothes as they may absorb heat. Top it off with a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat and you are all set! These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.
5. Wear sunscreen everyday! Buy a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. Also, bugs are abundant in summer, so spray insect repellent when going outdoors.

Monroe County Office for the Aging Programs and Services are funded in part by Monroe County, New York State Office for the Aging, US Administration for Community Living, United Way, and participant contributions. We value our partnerships in order to meet the needs of our community's older adults and their caregivers.