Hot weather safety tips for older people

You should try to stay hydrated at all times, but this is especially true in the summer months as it’s easier to become dehydrated during spells of hot weather. You should aim to drink between six and eight glasses of water or juice every day – more if it’s particularly hot – and eat a balanced diet to ensure that any salt lost through sweating is replaced.

Be aware of any signs that you may be dehydrated, such as cramping, weakness or mild confusion. If you do experience any of these symptoms, ensure that you drink lots of fluids, find somewhere cool to rest, and make someone aware.

To avoid getting sunburnt, protect yourself with quality sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun – even if just for a little while. Burning increases your risk of skin cancer, so ensuring that you’re protected from the sun’s rays is vital. Opt for sunscreen of at least SPF30 and reapply this every two hours and if you’ve been in water.

Pay particular attention to any moles or dark patches of skin that you have and make sure that you contact your GP should you notice any changes in these. This is because changes in shape, colour, or experiencing bleeding in these areas could indicate skin cancer, so it’s always best to check!

Wearing a hat will shade your head from the sun, giving you an additional layer of protection against harmful UV rays. The best types of hat to wear are those with a wide brim or peak as these will provide some cover for your face too. You should still apply sunscreen if you’re wearing a hat to be extra safe.

Sunglasses are another accessory that can help to protect you from the sun. By providing a barrier between your eyes and the delicate skin that surrounds them, sunglasses ensure that your eyes will remain safe and healthy when you’re outside enjoying the hot weather.