Outdoor Safety Tips for Seniors

Chicago, and the Midwest as a whole, comes to life in spring and summer. People of all ages want to get outside to enjoy the pleasant weather and sun, including seniors. As you start moving your activities outdoors, it’s important you keep these outdoor safety tips for seniors in mind so you have fun all season long.

Dress in layers for the occasion

Sometimes, dressing for spring feels like a challenge. Mornings are cold, but afternoons are temperate. Your waterproof coats and boots from the winter are too warm, but you need something to keep you dry on rainy days. The best way to circumvent both these problems is with light layers.

If you’re going to be out of the home for several hours, it’s important you have a lightweight, waterproof jacket on hand to keep you warm and dry. Remember, “lightweight” is the keyword here. It should be easy for you to carry the coat should you want to take it off. You should also invest in comfortable waterproof shoes.

Protect your eyes

After the dark days of winter, you certainly want to go out and soak up as much sun as possible. You certainly know to protect your skin with sunscreen, but don’t forget that your eyes need protection too. The sun’s powerful rays can increase your likelihood of damage and conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Make sure you purchase sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB light. Polarized lenses don’t offer more protection from the sun, but they do reduce the glare that can be reflected off surfaces like water or pavement. This will help you drive and walk around with more ease.

Stay safe as you walk

Whether you’re going for a walk through your neighborhood, through the park, or on a hike, it’s important that you do what you can to stay safe. Take your walks during daylight hours, where you can see the path ahead and any potential hazards. Pay attention to your path so you’re aware of any unevenness or sticks you might trip over.

This is another instance where proper footwear is important. Don’t wear shoes that are too loose or too tight, as that could cause walking problems.

Prevent bug bites

With being outside more often unfortunately comes the risk of bug bites and stings. The symptoms of these bites can range from discomfort to more serious illnesses like Zika and Lyme disease. When you’re going to be spending extended periods of time outdoors, take the proper steps to protect yourself from bug bites.

Pants and long-sleeved shirts will help you stay protected from pesky bites, but on the warmer days don’t skimp out on bug spray. If you’re worried about harsh chemicals or allergens, do your research before purchasing a bottle of insect repellant.

Once you’ve completed your outdoor fun, make sure you aren’t bringing any critters home with you. Check your clothes and exposed skin for any insects, especially ticks, as they’re harder to remove the later you discover them.

Enjoy the spring with the help of an at-home caregiver

Getting out to enjoy the springtime weather can be difficult for certain seniors. Struggles with mobility, personal care, and other activities of daily living, may discourage you from partaking in seasonal activities. With the help of an at-home caregiver, you never have to worry about missing out.

At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our home caregivers offer each of their clients the compassionate support they need to live comfortably and confidently at home. We’ve offered assistance to seniors in the Chicago area for 30 years, and we’d love to offer you that same care. For more information on our services, give us a call at 773-274-9262.