According to the US Department of Labor, Labor Day has its roots in the 19th century. Its purpose is to recognize all the hard work that Americans have done to contribute to the nation’s greatness, and today, it’s remembered on the first Monday of every September.
This year, we’ll come together to celebrate with various parties and events in Southport, NC. But if you’re a senior, you’ll have to take extra care to ensure you have a fun yet safe time.
This article will list key Labor Day safety tips regarding holiday safety for seniors.
Plan Around Heat and Humidity
Whichever area attractions you plan on visiting during Labor Day, you should plan around the heat and humidity. The fact is that this time of the year often brings high heat and sticky coastal humidity.
Older adults are typically more vulnerable to heat and dehydration, so you have to be careful. Ideally, you should only be outdoors during the early morning or after 5:00 pm. During midday, stay in the shade or air-conditioned spaces.
Part of staying cool in summer is wearing loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat. You should also stay hydrated with both water and electrolyte drinks.
Protect Against Intense Sun
Even if you find safe outdoor activities for seniors, coastal UV is strong, even if it’s cloudy out.
This makes it extremely important to use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Apply it 15-30 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours. You should also reapply after you swim or sweat.
Also, don’t forget to get your:
- Ears
- Tops of feet
- Scalp
Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can protect your eyes. In addition, they can reduce your fall risk since there’s less glare.
If you’re going to the beach or on a boat, then consider wearing lightweight UPF shirts and rash guards.
Be Mindful About Footwear and Fall Prevention
As you enjoy your retirement lifestyle, you might notice that public spaces aren’t the safest. There are:
- Uneven lawns
- Curbs
- Ramps
- Boardwalk gaps
To protect yourself, wear close-toed, non-slip shoes that have good support. Don’t wear floppy sandals, no matter how comfortable they may seem.
If there are crowds or if you have to walk long distances, then bring a walking aid. Always scan ahead to see if there are things you need to avoid, and use small steps when turning.
Watch Rip Currents and Waterfront Hazards
Are you planning on visiting beaches or the waterfront? Then one of our best senior summer tips is to check the posted flags and heed advisories.
You should only swim when lifeguards are on duty. And if balance is an issue, you should only go knee-to-waist deep.
If you’re ever caught in a rip current, don’t fight it. Instead, float, wave for help, and try to swim parallel to shore if you’re able to.
Mind the Tides, Boardwalks, and Docks
The tides can make ramps and docks steep and slick. To lower your risk of falling, always use the handrails. Plus, take short and deliberate steps.
Those who use mobility aids should be extra careful since things like cane tips and rollator wheels can slip on wet boards. Consider using rubber cane tips with extra grip and slowing down on turns with rollators.
When boarding a boat, keep three points of contact. Make sure the boat’s settled before boarding.
Prepare for Hurricanes and Pop-Up Storms
Labor Day falls during the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. So even if the forecast looks nice and the day starts off sunny, a storm can build quickly.
Be prepared for a possible storm by packing these things:
- Compact rain jacket
- Small flashlight
- Phone charger/power bank
- List of medications
- Emergency contacts
Make sure that wireless emergency alerts are enabled on your phone. Should there be thunder, go indoors.
Beat the Crowd and Traffic
Due to things like public and assisted living events, traffic on Howe St., NC-211, and toward nearby beaches can spike on this holiday. It can be stressful and a waste of time to sit in traffic, so leave 30-45 minutes earlier than usual.
Use designated senior/accessible parking when available, and use drop-off spots close to event entrances.
Practice Good Food Safety at Cookouts and Picnics
Leaving food out for hours can already lead to foodborne illnesses, and warm weather can accelerate them. Cold foods need to stay below 40°F in a cooler, and hot foods need to be above 140°F.
You shouldn’t eat food that’s out for over two hours. This decreases to one hour if the outside temperature is above 90°F. Just stick to simple, familiar foods if you have a sensitive stomach or chronic conditions.
Be Proactive With Grill and Fire Safety
You should set up on a stable, flat surface, and ensure that there’s a 3-foot radius where the area’s clear. This will reduce bumps and trips.
When grilling, use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats. To prevent burns, use long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves.
Stay Connected With Loved Ones
It’s easy to get separated from your group when there are large events going on. So before that happens, choose a simple, visible meeting point and set check-in times.
Before you leave the house, make sure your phone’s completely charged. Share your live location with a trusted contact if possible, and keep your ID on you with emergency information. If you’re celebrating solo, then consider attending with a neighbor group or local club for a better and safer time.
Share These Labor Day Safety Tips
Celebrating a holiday takes effort from everybody; it won’t work if just one person takes action. So feel free to share these Labor Day safety tips around, as in this case, the more the merrier.
When you know that the local community is aware of these tips and is proactive about protecting seniors, you’ll have better peace of mind when you’re out and about. And these tips can extend beyond this holiday, too!
At TerraBella Southport, we have a proprietary SHINE® Memory Care Program that effectively helps seniors with memory loss. To learn more about senior living in Southport, NC, get in touch with us today.
