Summer brings longer days, sunshine, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and stay active but for older Australians, high temperatures and humidity can also pose challenges to daily movement. Good news – with a few simple adjustments, it’s easy to stay physically active and enjoy all the benefits of movement during the warmer months.
At Home Care Assistance Australia, we encourage older adults to keep moving all year round, not only to improve physical health, but also to boost mood, maintain independence, and reduce the risk of falls or chronic illness.
Here are our top tips for staying active, safe and motivated throughout the summer season.
Choose the Right Time of Day
The middle of the day can be dangerously hot, so aim to schedule walks or outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon). This reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and makes being outside more pleasant.
If your loved one prefers a midday activity, try a shaded garden or an air-conditioned venue like a shopping centre, aquatic centre, or community gym. A walk through an air-conditioned shopping centre can be a great way to access a free, cool environment for exercise. Consider meeting up with a friend to make it a social get together as well.
Stay Hydrated and Dress Smart
Hydration is key, especially in summer when you lose more fluids through sweat. Encourage frequent small sips of water throughout the day – before, during, and after activity.
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors. Shoes should be well-fitted and supportive to prevent falls. If exercising outside, don’t forget sunscreen, even if it is cloudy.
If you or your loved one has a medical condition that impacts fluid retention or balance, ask a GP or care provider for personalised advice. You may need a specialised approach to exercise to ensure that you are safe and obtain good benefits from exercising.
Keep It Light and Low-Impact
Not all activity has to be strenuous. In fact, low-impact movement is ideal for older adults, especially when it’s hot outside. Try:
- Gentle stretches or yoga at home
- Chair-based exercises
- A walk around the garden
- Light housework or gardening
- Tai Chi in a local park or via online videos
- A swim or water aerobics class for low-impact joint relief
Staying active doesn’t mean sticking to a strict exercise regime. It’s about finding ways to keep the body moving, even for short bursts throughout the day.
Use Technology to Stay Motivated
There are many senior-friendly fitness apps and online programs offering guided routines, seated workouts, and stretching exercises. Even a basic step tracker or daily reminder on a phone or tablet can help build healthy routines.
For those receiving in-home care, Home Care Assistance Care Professionals can incorporate light physical activity into the daily routine – walking together, helping with stretching, or joining a local class or walking group.
Focus on Enjoyment, Not Intensity
Summer is a great time to rethink exercise as joyful movement. Whether it’s dancing to music, watering plants, or playing with grandkids in the backyard, all activity counts.
The goal isn’t intensity, it’s consistency and confidence. Try different things until you find what feels good, and modify based on daily energy levels. Always listen to your body.
Be Mindful of Heat-Related Risks
Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Watch for signs like dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or nausea. If these occur, stop the activity immediately and rest in a cool space with water.
It’s important to check the weather forecast before heading out and avoid activity during heatwaves. On very hot days, consider indoor options like walking in a shopping centre or simple movement at home.
When Extra Support Can Help
If you’re finding it difficult to stay active, or if you’re caring for someone who could use gentle encouragement or supervision, Home Care Assistance can help. Our Care Professionals are trained to support physical wellbeing through:
- Assisted walks or exercises
- Transport to local activities
- Motivation and routine building
- Tailored in-home movement programs
- Help navigating health or mobility changes
We work closely with clients and families to create plans that match each person’s ability and confidence level, whether they need occasional support or more regular assistance.
Staying active in summer is not only possible, but it can also be enjoyable and deeply beneficial for health and well-being. With a little planning, hydration, and support, older Australians can keep moving safely through the hottest months of the year.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
