I am a recent arrival to Florida. How do I cope with the summer heat?
By Lisa Peake
Summer in Florida brings sunshine, longer days, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy life. Warmer temperatures can be challenging, but they don’t have to keep seniors from making the most of the season. With a little planning, summer can be a wonderful time to stay active, connect with friends and family, and enjoy delicious seasonal foods.
Enjoy the coolest part of the day by getting outside early. That’s the time for early morning walks, gardening, birdwatching, or just sitting on the porch with a good book. These options provide fresh air and gentle exercise before the intense heat of midday. One Senior Place and local senior centers also offer indoor activities such as fitness classes, card games, educational programs, and social gatherings that are both cool and engaging.
Hydration is especially important during the summer months. As we age, our bodies may not signal thirst as effectively, making it easier to become dehydrated. Keep a water bottle nearby, sip water throughout the day, and enjoy water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries.
Looking for fresh, nutritious meals that don’t require firing up the oven? Yes, please! Consider this simple and refreshing recipe:
Florida Summer Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1 cup blueberries
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Directions:
Combine all fruit in a large bowl. Gently toss and chill before serving. Garnish with fresh mint for added flavor. This colorful salad is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration—perfect for a hot Florida afternoon!
For a light lunch, how about a refreshing cucumber and chicken salad? Diced some cooked chicken, add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Boom! Serve over salad greens for a healthy meal that won’t weigh you down.
Summer is also a wonderful time for reconnecting. Invite a friend over for some iced tea, attend a community event, visit a local farmers market, or spend some time with your grands creating summer memories.
With some creativity and preparation, summer can be filled with laughter, friendship, fresh flavors, and new experiences. So grab your favorite beverage, enjoy some seasonal fruit, and make the most of it!
Join me at One Senior Place on Saturday, July 25th for a free event honoring first responders, nurses and educators! Grilled food, music, ice cream and a special kid zone means fun for the whole family– with plenty of options to keep cool. RSVP online at OneSeniorPlace.com/events or call 321-751-6771.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.