A Gardening Checklist for Seniors

 It’s springtime – and for many seniors, that means it is time to start enjoying some rewarding, seasonal work in the garden or yard. To make sure this kind of activity is done as safely as possible, seniors should use the following checklist when working outside.
Plan wisely. For seniors, working outside in the heat of the day can be a dangerous activity unless there are proper precautions taken. One University of Chicago Medical Center study found that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65; with that in mind, seniors should only work outside in the cooler hours of the day. Usually the hottest hours of the day are often between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and are the times where outdoor work should be avoided. As a rule of thumb, aging adults should enjoy gardening in the morning or early evening to avoid the risks of heat stroke. In fact, this is good advice for everyone!
Get prepared. Before going outside to garden or to do yard work, seniors should drink plenty of liquids and take an extra water bottle along with them. To protect the skin from dangerous UV rays, sunscreen should be applied (one designed for sensitive skin, if necessary), and a wide-brimmed hat should be worn to keep sun off of the face. Wearing appropriate clothing is very important; because light-colored clothes reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, light colors are recommended. In warm weather, clothes should be lightweight and loose fitting.
Pay attention. Paying attention to one’s own body is important for seniors when working outside. The signs of heat stroke include dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems; if a senior is experiencing any of these, he or she should seek cool shelter immediately and call for assistance.
These are the steps seniors should take before working outside in the yard or garden. At a luxury retirement or assisted living community, there should be plenty of outdoor gardens for residents to enjoy and maintain with their friends and neighbors.
For more information on luxury senior living please contact Oakmont of Santa Clarita at 661-295-2025 or visit our website at www.oakmontofsantaclarita.com