Summer Activities for the Elderly to Beat the Heat in Australia

The Australian summer is in full swing, which means longer days, holidays with loved ones and lots of fresh and tasty produce for meals. However, it can also mean extremely hot days that can be dangerous for elderly people. Tragically, every year older Australians end up hospitalised due to heatwaves. 

If you’re an older person, there are plenty of ways that you can ensure you remain healthy during the summer. We have compiled a list of fun, educational and active things to do that can keep you busy while avoiding the worst of the heat. Visiting cooled spaces, such as galleries and cinemas, is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. For outdoor activities, going for a walk in the morning in cool and shaded areas is the best option. 

Why Is Heat Dangerous for Older People?

Older Australians are at greater risk of problems relating to heat and heat-stress during the summer months. Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself and maintain a healthy temperature. It can result in uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms, including muscle cramps, nausea, disorientation, rapid heart rate, vomiting and fainting.

People with pre-existing medical conditions can suffer some of the worst signs of heat stress, and people who use certain medications are also at increased risk.

Older bodies don’t cope with hot weather as well, producing less sweat and adapting to temperature changes more slowly. Additionally, older people and people with cognitive decline are more likely to struggle to take care of themselves during the summer.

Indoor Activities

When the temperature rises, some older people may feel that they need to rest in their homes and avoid activity. Others will attempt to continue with life as per normal and may suffer from dehydration due to the intense summer heat. 

Fortunately, there are lots of indoor activities that can keep older Australians entertained and occupied while keeping cool.

Museums

We are lucky to have so many museums in Australia to suit all sorts of interests. No matter where you live in the country, there are air-conditioned and beautiful museums where you can happily spend a day wandering the exhibits. Many museums include both permanent and temporary exhibitions so even if you have visited previously, there’s always something new to discover.

Some of the best museums include:

• Melbourne Museum, Melbourne 
• National Museum of Australia, Canberra
• Scienceworks, Melbourne
• Queensland Museum, Brisbane
• Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
• National Sports Museum, Melbourne

Art Galleries

With their large, airy spaces and the need to preserve beautiful artworks, art galleries are always comfortably cool. On a hot day, walking through a gallery is a lovely way to spend some time, get some exercise, and perhaps learn something new about art and artists. From classic to modern art, and from local artists to internationally famous creators, there are so many choices when it comes to art galleries in Australia.

Some of the best art galleries include:

• National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
• Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• MONA, Hobart
• Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

Community Centre Programmes

Want to get out and about to socialise, but worried about being outside in the heat? Community centres offer cool and relaxing settings to meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun with locals in your area. If you live alone or you feel like your social circle has grown smaller in older age, getting involved at your local community centre is a great way to connect.

Community centres run a wide range of programmes and activities that you can attend regularly, or drop in when you feel like it. 

Love dancing? See if there are some adult dance classes where you can practice your waltz and foxtrot. Enjoy games? Test your skills with other keen players during board and card game sessions. Interested in technology? Learn how to use new devices like smartphones, which will help you connect to your loved ones and the wider world.

Concerts and Theatre

For lovers of live music, stage shows and performances, the theatre is the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon. Only the actors will be getting warm under the stage lights as you sit back and relax in a comfortable seat within the air-conditioned room. There are exciting new plays, musicals and more on every day, so you can be sure that you will find something that you like! 

Cinemas

Going to the cinema on a hot day is a favourite activity for everyone, not just older people! With lots of new releases in time for the summer holidays, there are plenty of choices of great movies to enjoy. Whether you like Hollywood blockbusters, romantic comedies, independent films or even horror movies, there is a choice for you.

If you’re a real movie buff, why not spend the entire hot day going to different movies! Many cinemas are located near food courts or café options so you can easily grab something to eat, and you can snack on popcorn during the movie as well. 

Comedy Clubs

Heat stress is no laughing matter, but you can still have a good laugh on a hot day! Comedy clubs are a fun indoor activity that are sure to keep you entertained. Discover new stand-up comedians and see some of your favourites in a location near you.

Libraries

For many people, their local library is a calming, safe space that they can go to relax at any time. Libraries are a fantastic option for avoiding the heat during long summer days. They offer plenty of spaces for curling up with a good book or listening to some music. The library is quiet and staff are always helpful in providing recommendations and assistance.

Additionally, libraries are free and there’s no limit to the amount of time you can spend here, so they are perfect for people who want to avoid spending a lot of money to try and get out of the house.

Yoga and Tai chi 

If you want to stay active on hot days but are worried about exercising outside in the warm weather, you can try an indoor exercise alternative. Yoga studios offer a cool and relaxing space to move and stretch. Yoga is a great exercise choice for older people due to its gentle movements and its promotion of good circulation, breath and flexibility. Tai chi is also offered indoors and can help people to decrease their stress, improve their mood, and increase aerobic capacity.

Outdoor Activities

There are some days when the temperature is too high for older people to venture outdoors, but most of the time it is still possible to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer. Try to get out early in the morning or in the early evening to avoid the heat of the day and stick to shaded areas.

Walk at the Park

A gentle walk around your local park is a lovely way to spend some time during a hot day. Parks are shady and cool spaces with plenty of trees, and there are typically bench seats and other places where you can sit and rest if you feel you are getting too hot. They are also fantastic meeting places to see friends and family, a good opportunity to spot some local wildlife, and a place for quiet reflection in nature.

Garden Tours

A beautiful garden is a magical space to spend some time and is the perfect location for outdoor exercise on a warm day. A tour of a garden with an expert botanist or horticulturist is an educational experience that allows you to learn more about plants and flowers, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and perhaps get inspired for your own garden at home.

Fishing and Boating

On a hot day, spending time out on the water in a boat or on a pier is a great way to keep cool. Fishing can be quite a meditative experience, as well as a social activity. Sit back with your rod and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of your local bay, lake or river. You may even catch yourself some fish for a healthy summer dinner.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise option for older people. With no impact on the joints, it’s a good way to work the muscles without putting pressure on older knees and hips. Water aerobics is another water activity that is perfect for getting the heart rate up and having a laugh with friends as well. Head to your local pool to look at classes you may be interested in, or simply swim a few laps in your own time.

Tips to Beat the Heat

If you’re concerned about the effects of hot weather, there are some simple things you can do to keep cool and reduce the risk of heat-stress and associated illness.

Avoid Being Outdoors in the Hottest Part of the Day

Where possible, aim to do any outdoor activities in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. From noon onwards, when the sun is highest in the sky, the weather begins to get much hotter. The hottest time of the day is usually 3pm, and during this time it’s best to stay indoors in a cool space.

Apply a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen With an Spf of 30+ or Above

No matter your age, our skin is susceptible to burning when the UV is high. This is more likely during hot summer days. Whenever you go outdoors, make sure you apply a good quality sunscreen to all exposed skin beforehand. Getting a sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer, and this risk builds up the more hours you spend exposed. This means older people who have spent a lifetime in the Australian sun are more at risk and need to take extra precautions.

Wear Clothes Made From Breathable Fabrics, Sunglasses and a Hat

Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap! This popular sun-safe message isn’t just for children; everyone needs to remember to put on sun smart clothing when the weather is hot. Avoid tight clothing that makes it difficult to move and try to choose natural fabrics that breathe and allow you to sweat. Sunglasses are a good idea to protect older eyes from the effects of UV light, which can result in cataracts or macular degeneration in the long term. A hat will also keep you cool and help to protect the sensitive skin on your face and your eyes from the effects of the sun.

Stay in the Shade Where Possible

Exposure to direct sunlight can be damaging to your skin and eyes, as well as lead to heat-stress and associated problems. Where possible, try to remain in shady areas. This might mean walking in a local park instead of your neighbourhood streets. In the shade, it can feel up to 10 degrees cooler than in direct sun, which makes a big difference to your body temperature. 

Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day So You Don’t Get Dehydrated

Dehydration is a real risk for elderly people and should be taken seriously, especially when it’s hot. In warm weather, our bodies sweat and lose more fluid than usual, increasing the chances of dehydration. As we age, the amount of fluid in our bodies begins to decrease. The body needs to maintain its water levels to regulate temperature, lubricate the joints and assist in the digestive process, so staying hydrated is very important. 

Older people can face problems including electrolyte imbalances, kidney problems, constipation and loss of balance if they become dehydrated. Drinking water throughout the day can prevent dehydration and heat-stress. Other beverages, such as fruit juice, can also help, as can foods with high water content like berries, celery and watermelon. 

Key Takeaways

Hot weather can pose serious risks to the health of older people, but with careful management and some plans in place about where to spend hot days, you can still enjoy the summer without worrying about heat-stress.

If you are looking for care assistance for your loved ones this summer, Homage Care Professionals are more than happy to lend a helping hand. Our Care Professionals are carefully selected with your safety and well-being in mind and go through a rigorous screening process such that they can best care for you and your loved ones.