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Safe Warm Weather Activities For Older Adults
TOMS RIVER - Summer is on its way and so is the warm weather. The pleasant weather provides older adults with an opportunity to enjoy fresh air while participating in outdoor activities. In fact, it is recommended that older adults go out in the sunshine at least 20 minutes every day to help the body maintain its supply of Vitamin D, a vitamin that improves the absorption and utilization of calcium, an element necessary to maintain strong bones and muscles.
The Saint Barnabas Health Care System Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers and Assisted Living Residence, suggest the following activities for older adults who are in search of fun in the sun.
Gardening: Gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, especially after you see the beautiful results of all your hard work. But there are some "rules" to follow before you dive into digging. Knee pads or a pillow will absorb pressure on your knees if you must kneel to pull weeds or plant flowers. Also, make sure gardening equipment suits your size, build and physical capabilities. If you suffer from arthritis in your hands, use garden tools with enlarged handles. Long handles on garden tools ease the strain on an arthritic back.
Walking: Walking, at any pace, strengthens the cardiovascular system, aids digestion, helps to reduce blood pressure and improves sleeping habits. It also plays a role in relieving the pain associated with arthritis by strengthening and relaxing muscles that protect joints.
Relocate Activities: A great way to take advantage of pleasant weather is to move activities that you are accustomed to doing indoors, outside. Read the morning paper in a lawn chair or have lunch on a park bench.
The Beach: The Jersey Shore is an ideal location to spend a summer afternoon. The boardwalk is an excellent place to get exercise or simply sit back and soak in the sun while enjoying a snack.
It is important not only to enjoy an activity, but to do so safely. Because heat exhaustion and heatstroke can strike quickly, it is important to protect yourself from the summer sun by wearing the appropriate clothing, sunglasses and head and skin protection. Your primary care physician is an excellent source of information for sun and outdoor safety measures.
For more information from the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, please call 1-888-724- 7123 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.
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