If you’re like many seniors, summer self-care has usually focused on keeping everyone else in the family healthy, safe, and entertained. Now it’s your turn! Here are self-care ideas to help you relax, recharge, and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
What having a plan for summer self-care can do for you.
Summer self-care is all about staying healthy (no sunburn) and comfortable (no stress). The sunshine, lazy days, and vacation-atmosphere are quick to inspire you to stay active and connected. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a setting as perfect as Palm Harbor, Florida—as residents of St. Mark Village do—you’re just steps from an array of choices for outdoor fun.
Whether you’re ramping up your fitness program, traveling with the grandkids, or just want to take it easy with some gentle, easy self-care ideas, here are some suggestions.
1. Drink water!
This may be the most important of all self-care tips for seniors. Hydration is nothing to take lightly, especially for anyone over 50. Not maintaining a good level of hydration can affect memory, mood, and concentration. Staying hydrated also helps keep your joints free of aches and pains.
Unfortunately, aging does affect how the body stores and uses fluids, and it’s harder to stay hydrated when you’re outside. Be sure to take regular breaks and drink some water. If that gets boring, add some fruit, or brew a pitcher of decaf green tea. Have a glass by the pool or take a cooler with you to the beach.
2. Watch what you eat.
It’s so tempting to reach for something that satisfies your sweet tooth, especially if you’re vacationing. But keep this in mind: sugary snacks won’t provide the energy you’ll need to keep throwing that frisbee!
Instead, try mixed nuts, smoothies, yogurt with fruit, or popcorn. And how about some frozen grapes? They taste good, have natural sweetness, and will be a delightful snack when the temperature’s soaring!
Related: Nutrition Labels 101: Making Sense of the Fact for Better Senior Nutrition
3. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Palm Harbor, Florida, is a wonderful place to live and offers countless ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature, exercise, go to festivals, have a picnic, and of course, spend quality time with friends and family. Just be sure your summer self-care plan includes applying sunscreen—even when it’s cloudy, and even if you’re just going for a ride or taking a short walk.
That’s because sunscreen is our best defense against skin cancer. So even if you just go outside for a short time, your skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, and that damage builds up. In addition, there are some medications that can make you even more prone to sunburn.
Just remember before you head out: get your favorite sun hat, grab a bottle of water, put on your shades, and apply sunscreen! (Frankie and Annette would approve.)
4. Keep moving.
It’s okay to feel a little lazy in the good old summertime. But it’s also a great time to stay active so you have the energy to do whatever’s next on your activity calendar (which at St. Mark Village, is packed!).
One suggestion is aqua exercise. Moving around in water feels good and is refreshing, and much easier on joints. Plus, it’s a great way to have some fun with grandchildren. And the beautiful St. Mark Village pool is just steps from the door of your residence. In fact, outside or inside, you’ll find countless wellness opportunities at St. Mark Village designed to help you feel your best every day of the year.
Related: Refreshing Pool Exercises for Seniors to Beat the Summer Heat
5. Take the gentle route.
When it comes to self-care ideas, there are other great ways to keep moving all summer long without working up a sweat. For instance, you could try yoga, which offers simple movements that can help reduce stress, build stress, and increase flexibility. And you can do it all while sitting in a chair. Tai chi is another gentle way to achieve better balance and stronger bones.
Meditation also offers an array of benefits, from improved sleep to pain management to an overall positive outlook on life. It also can help boost your immune system, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and slow memory loss.
Living at St. Mark Village gives you the opportunity to access a range of fitness opportunities that include ways to unwind, have fun, grow stronger, and socialize.
Related: From Poolside Lounging to Fitness Fun: Staying Active & Enjoying Life at St. Mark Village
6. Check out the neighborhood.
Summer self-care and year-round self-care tips should always include lots of time spent with others. Socializing offers important mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. With a perfect location in Palm Harbor, St. Mark Village makes it easy for residents to get outside and explore the area. Shops, dining, farmers markets, festivals, walking paths…it’s all close by. And summer is a great time to mix and mingle in the fresh air.
Related: Live Well During Retirement in the Tampa Bay Area
7. Relax!
Don’t forget, summer self-care also means finding moments for tapping into the healing power of nature. Not only does St. Mark Village have a lovely campus with walking paths and a garden, but our Palm Harbor location also offers numerous natural areas quiet reflection. Go bird watching, walk along a trail, sit by the water, watch the sunset over the ocean…the list of opportunities for relaxing summer self-care is endless.
Summer self-care tips can help you have an enjoyable, relaxing, and rejuvenating season!
At St. Mark Village, we make every day feel like a getaway. And when it comes to self-care tips, we are here with suggestions (and so are our residents!). We invite you to learn more about how our community provides security, comfort, and lifelong support with our Life Care Promise—seamless access to future care options. We hope to see you this summer!
