Summer is upon us in Australia, and as the temperatures rise and the sun comes out, it’s important to consider how you’ll be at your best this season. We’ve created a list of tips on how to stay safe this summer, and some
fun activities that volunteers and seniors can share together.
Staying safe
Stay hydrated
Make sure to be aware of your fluid intake during the warmer months, ensuring you have a good amount of water every day especially if you’re out and about being active.
Short outings
Aim to keep activities, especially outdoors, to a minimum to avoid long heat or sun exposure.
Slip, slop, slap
Use sunscreen even when going for short outings, and wear a hat to protect you from the sun. Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is ideal for the summer as it is breathable. It’s important to protect your skin, sunburn
can be very dehydrating and cause a whole host of other health issues.
Protect your eyes
It’s very easy to neglect our eye health in the summer, but the sun can be harmful to more than our skin. Popping on a pair of sunglasses can help protect your eyes from becoming overly dry, or from impacting your sight from strain.
Know the signs of dehydration
Dehydration is a real concern during the warmer months, especially for infants and seniors. If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded, have a dry mouth, feel fatigued or have muscle cramping, you might be dehydrated. Make sure to rehydrate
and seek medical advice.
Smart scheduling
Try to plan activities in the early morning or later afternoon to evening to avoid being out and about in the hottest part of the day. By scheduling your day, you can limit your sun and heat exposure while still enjoying time outside and fun
summer activities.
Continue practicing social distancing
Summer can be a good time to get out and about socialising, but make sure you’re still observing precautions with social distancing and hand hygiene. Make sure you carry some hand sanitiser with you if you’re heading out so you can
safely enjoy the season.
If you’re concerned about health risks for seniors this summer, we always suggest seeking advice from a medical professional!
Summer activities
Go for ice cream
Why not go out for an ice cream or a cold drink? It’s an activity you can keep short, share with a friend and if you’re buying your ice cream to take away can maintain social distancing by eating it as you enjoy a walk in
the park or along the beach. Why not try a new drink at the local café? Something iced and a bit different to your usual choice, you might find a new favourite and we all deserve a treat.
Go for a picnic
Whether at the local park, the beach or even your own backyard, a picnic can be a lovely summer activity. Sit in the shade and enjoy a fresh fruit salad, or your other favourite treats. A mini backyard picnic is a great way to enjoy this activity
without venturing too far, especially if you’re being cautious with current restrictions due to COVID-19.
Check out a museum or art gallery
Looking for a good indoor activity? Why not head to a local museum or art gallery? Take a leisurely stroll, admire some history or artwork and brighten your day without breaking a sweat.
Go for a swim or paddle
It’s the perfect weather for a swim at the local pool, or a walk along the water at the beach. If you’re with a senior who is a little more unsteady on your feet, make sure you stay between the flags or head to an area of the local pool where
the water is shallow. A fun activity for everyone, and a great way to cool off. If you’re interested in combining light exercise with time in the water, why not consider a local aqua aerobics class?
Attend local events
Find out what’s on in your local area! There are often twilight cinemas, local markets and plenty of other fun activities planned by the council. Many of these activities or free, or low in cost, to attend. You’d be surprised about how
many different activities are on near you, so why not take a client and try something new?
Start a project
The new year is a good time to start a new project, whether it be an indoor activity like a puzzle, or an outdoor activity like planting a new garden patch. If you have an existing hobby consider how you might like to grow your skills or use them
this year, and if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby with a client you are visiting, here are some we recommend: sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, joining a book club together, growing herbs or vegetables, crocheting, baking,
cross stitching, or learning a language. It’s never too late to learn a new skill, or further develop an old one and challenge yourself.