Help a Senior Live Well in the Summer

By Lisa M. Petsche

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Many people look forward to the mild temperatures and increased daylight of summer, which positively affect their mood and allow new opportunities for enjoyment, especially outdoors.

However, those who are older and socially isolated - due to illness, disability or loss of a companion, for example - may find it difficult to reap the benefits of the season. Fortunately there are many things that you can do to help a relative in this situation partake of summer's pleasures. Of course, many of these tips could also apply to a friend or neighbor.

Lighten the Load:

• Prepare extra foods or beverages to share with the person - for example, homemade lemonade or iced tea, pasta salad, sliced watermelon, strawberry shortcake or rhubarb pie.

• Offer to help with gardening or lawn care.

• Take your relative out to the mall for shopping - perhaps for a new summer wardrobe - and lunch. If they use a wheelchair, investigate accessible taxi options or register them with the local accessible transportation service. If they can get in and out of a car and walk short distances, arrange to borrow a wheelchair from the mall's customer service kiosk.

• Let them know when you are heading out to the grocery store or on other errands, and ask what you can drop off or pick up to make things easier.

• If they don't drive, offer transportation so they can get their hair done, do banking or attend a special event.

Do Some Pampering

• Share fresh fruit, vegetables or flowers from your garden or the market. Include a vase with the latter, so they're ready to display.

• Buy your relative some toiletries or home fragrance products in a summery scent, such as lily of the valley or peach.

• Get them a box of favorite ice cream treats the next time you're at the grocery store. Or take them out to the local dairy for an ice cream cone or sundae.

• Buy them a seasonal outdoor gift to enjoy - for example, wind chimes, a hanging plant, decorative flower pots, a bird feeder, solar garden accents or a patio chair and side table.

Ideas for Activities

The following are some ideas for enjoying quality time together:

• Invite your relative over for a barbecue or to watch a favorite summer-themed movie.

• Have a picnic in their backyard or yours, or at a nearby park.

• Go for a stroll around the neighborhood, using a wheelchair if necessary.

• Take them to the local farmers' market for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as favorite meat, cheeses and baked goods.

• Go to a park or other outdoor public space and people-watch.

• Invite them to some of your children's or grandchildren's baseball or soccer games and provide transportation. Just be sure they can safely navigate the distance and terrain from parking lot to sports field. And don't forget a chair for them that offers good support.

• Take them to an outdoor concert or summer arts festival.

• Go for a drive in the country.

• Encourage them to reminisce about summers from their youth, including family customs, special people and places and touching or humorous moments.

Heatwave Hints

• Make daily checks during heat waves to ensure they are eating and especially drinking sufficiently. Buy them pre-cooked foods that only require warming, and arrange for more groceries as necessary. Also ensure they aren't overdressed and are acting normally. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any concerns about their physical or mental state.

• If they don't have central air conditioning, ensure they have fans or window air conditioners to improve air flow and evaporate sweat. Check that any such appliances are in good repair and being used. Encourage your relative to stay on the lowest possible floor of their home, preferably on the shaded side, and to open windows in the evening if there's a breeze.

• Help them obtain an air conditioning unit if they don't have one, or arrange during a heat wave for them to stay with someone (you, another relative or a friend) whose home is climate controlled.

• Provide or arrange for transportation to appointments, for errands, or to take them to a cool place. They should not be walking any distance or waiting at bus stops in extreme weather.

Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in health and elder care issues.