The arrival of summer in British Columbia means warmer days ahead and longer stretches of hot sunshine. For seniors of a Kamloops active living community, it’s a great time to set a heatwave safety plan in place to feel prepared for the spike in temperature. Whether you plan on spending more time at home, or venturing out to enjoy the great outdoors, these helpful reminders and local resources will help you beat the summer heat in safety and comfort.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for everyone, but it is especially important for seniors, particularly during the hot summer months in Kamloops. Overall hydration is essential for overall well-being and energy, making it all the more important for seniors to be diligent about water intake. Some of the ways that seniors can ensure they are taking in enough water:

• Avoid overdoing it on caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as these can contribute to dehydration.
  
• Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day (or more, if engaging in physical activity). Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to reach for your water, as thirst can be a sign of dehydration. Monitor your water intake to make sure you are hitting your daily recommended water intake.
  
• Set reminders at timely intervals to ensure you are staying on top of your water consumption. Time passes quickly when we’re having fun socializing or immersed in an activity, so it can be easy to forget to sip water. 

• Carry a reusable water bottle that you can bring when you’re out and about to remind you to drink water at all times. This can also help you keep track of how much water you are taking in, as you can measure your consumption in the number of times you took a refill.
  
• Infuse your water with a slice of lemon, lime, berries, cucumber, or other flavour enhancers to make it more enjoyable to drink.
  
• Replenish your electrolytes by adding sea salt to your water, or by investing in an electrolyte beverage that can help replace minerals lost through sweat.

2. Keep Your Cool at Home

A hot living environment can exacerbate health issues like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. By maintaining a cooler home, seniors can ensure their home remains a sanctuary of safety and comfort during extreme heat. Some of the ways seniors can keep temperatures low in their living space:

• Close Blinds and Curtains: Block out direct sunlight by keeping blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM.
  
• Use Fans Effectively: Place fans strategically around the home to circulate air and create a cooling breeze. Consider using ceiling fans to enhance airflow.
  
• Limit Heat-Producing Appliances: Avoid using ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for microwave meals or cold dishes like salads instead, and be sure to take advantage of the freshly prepared, chef-crafted meals served in our Kamloops retirement community’s dining room.
  
• Open Windows at Night: When temperatures drop in the evening, open windows to allow cooler air to flow through your home. Use window fans to draw in the cool air.
  

3. Dress the Part

When the temperature soars during a heatwave, dressing wisely can make a world of difference, allowing you to enjoy your day without being overwhelmed by the heat. Think of the items you wear as your first line of defence against the heat! Here are some pointers to help you make the right clothing choices during hotter days:

• Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made out of breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or bamboo, which can help the body cool down naturally while wicking away moisture.
  
• Stick to light-coloured garments as they can help reflect the sun rays instead of absorbing them. Avoid dark colours like black or navy, which can intensify heat.
  
• Search for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful sun rays. When it comes to eyewear, polarized lenses are also a smart choice for reducing glare, especially for activities like driving.
  
• Wear open-toed, comfortable sandals (when not going on strenuous walks) to help keep feet cool. If closed shoes or sneakers are your preference, wear socks that are moisture-wicking to help feet breathe.
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the scalp, face and neck when spending time outside exposed to the sun.
  

Time to spruce up the wardrobe with summer-friendly apparel? Here are a few places to shop in Kamloops:

Mark’s: Offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s blouses, activewear, denim, accessories, footwear, and more. Located at North Hill Centre.

Reitman’s: Specializes in women’s clothing with an extensive range of sizes. Located on Hillside Drive.

True Outdoors: Offers technical gear and apparel designed for exploring the outdoors. Great for finding seasonally appropriate footwear, socks, sunglasses, hats, and more. Located on Notre Dame Drive.

Aberdeen Mall: Find over 75 of the finest retailers and services at this premium shopping location. A cool place to hang out, Aberdeen features air conditioning to make for a comfortable shopping experience when temperatures have risen outside. Located on Trans-Canada Highway West.

4. Limit Strenuous Activity & Workout Indoors

During a heatwave, it’s especially important for seniors to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities. The risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is higher for older adults, as our bodies aren’t as good at regulating temperature and staying hydrated as they used to be. Instead of heading outdoors during peak temperatures, why not try an indoor workout class in the air conditioning? At The Residence at Orchard’s Walk, a premier active living community in Kamloops, exciting events and group fitness activities are hosted regularly to keep seniors active physically and socially. An on-site health and wellness room also offers a cool and comfortable place to spend time.

Ready to explore what life is like at an active living community in Kamloops? Book a tour of The Residence at Orchard’s Walk to explore our stylish retirement living condominiums and enhanced services and amenities. Residents of Orchard’s Walk enjoy: a robust activities calendar; exquisite daily dining; professional maintenance; regular housekeeping; and more.