It’s the time of the year when we often don’t want to do much apart from staying cool under the air conditioning, and people aged 80 or older can be more adversely affected by hot weather. The world-recognised ACSM* advice on activity for older people states that ” To promote and maintain health, older adults need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week. “
So how can older adults exercise safely on hot days? Firstly it’s important to consider any health issues you have, and your current level of fitness. Staying within the limits of what your body is used to, being well hydrated and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing are all important. Exercising before the heat of the day which could be before 8 am on hot days, exercising indoors or at a gym, walking in a shopping mall, and swimming are all ways of beating the heat. Wearing a cooling neck wrap while exercising can also help. Exercise and staying active are as important, maybe even moreso, when you’re 80 as when you’re 20, but planning ahead is the key to staying safe and beating the hot weather.
*American College of Sports Medicine Position Statement on Exercise for Older Adults