Typically winter is thought of as a particularly dangerous time for seniors falling and getting injured, largely because of ice and snow present when walking outdoors. Yet the warm summer season comes with its own risks for tumbles and accidents.
Keep these summertime fall hazards in mind for yourself or an elder loved one:
- Thirsty? When you get hot and perspire, you need to rehydrate more frequently, doctors say. Dehydration can lead to dizziness which can, in turn, make someone lose their balance and fall. Ask a health care provider if diet and medications can cause dehydration or a need for more fluids.
- Swimming is excellent exercise, but the surface area around pools—both indoor and outdoor—can be quite slippery. Recruit a buddy to go to the pool and lend an arm or hand when walking around the pool or changing area.
- If gardening is your hobby, then keep your toolshed and yard tidy so you don’t trip in a hole or step on something sharp. Experts advise making sure that the hose is safely coiled up in an out of the way spot, ask for help with lifting heavy plants or outdoor furniture, and or not to get up on a ladder if you don’t have to.
- It’s so tempting to wear sandals, especially flip-flops, when it’s hot out but closed toe shoes are still recommended in summer for safety. In open strappy shoes, there is a risk of the shoe breaking and becoming a tripping hazard or being injured when stepping on something. You’ll also want a shoe with some traction on the bottom to reduce slipping.
- Cut down on the glare by wearing sunglasses. If it’s hard to see, then the risk of tripping and falling is raised.
Chances are that you’ll spend more time outdoors in the summer, so health care professionals recommend these tips so you can to stay safe out there and enjoy yourself fully.
