One of the best parts about Florida is the beautiful beaches. The ever-reaching blue and pretty sand are reasons why retirees are moving to Florida. Enjoying time at the beach can be a great way to spend time with friends, meditate, exercise, and soak up some sun.
If you are looking into assisted living in Saint Petersburg, you likely want one that’s near the beach. But will you be able to get there? What if you don’t drive? You’ll be happy to know that many assisted and independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, offer “beach day” trips.
While these are meant to be fun and recreational, it is always important to stay safe. Here are five ways for seniors to enjoy beach days without risk or danger.
- Wear Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is a good practice as an everyday activity, but it is crucial at the beach. The rays from the sun can damage skin and be a contributing factor to diseases, including skin cancer.
Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing skin damage due to the sun than younger people. They need to wear sunscreen with SPF protection and re-apply as the day goes on.
- Stay Hydrated
Florida beaches can get very hot and humid in the summer months. Often seniors will become dehydrated without even knowing it, so it is important to stay ahead of the problem and encourage drinking water all day.
- Don’t Swim Alone
Even seniors who are or were once skilled swimmers should never swim alone. You never know when someone could experience a medical emergency or when a rip current can suddenly sweep someone away.
You should always keep an eye on one another when swimming, especially the elderly. If your elderly loved one wants to go out in the water, make sure someone accompanies them.
- Make Sure Lifeguards Are Present
Even if your group makes a point not to swim alone, swimming can still be dangerous. We often underestimate how much effort it takes to help rescue someone in distress, and a medical emergency in the water can quickly turn into a tragedy. Make sure there are lifeguards around any time an older person is in the water. A trained lifeguard is much more equipped to rescue someone from the water if anything goes wrong. They are also trained in CPR and can help manage the situation before emergency responders arrive.
- Wear the Right Clothing
Wearing a swimsuit and flip-flops is not enough to stay safe at the beach, particularly for seniors. There are a variety of clothing items to make sure seniors stay safe when spending time at the beach, including:
- Supportive shoes
- Hats
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Warm clothes for when it cools down
Packing the right clothes in addition to accessories like sunglasses and towels will ensure everyone enjoys the day at the beach safely.
Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg
If you or a loved one is considering assisted living, St. Petersburg is a great place to start your search. St. Petersburg is home to many excellent facilities that offer services and amenities to ensure retirees have everything they need.
