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50plus Magazine
Greater Portland EditionMagazine StoriesWillamette Valley Edition

Outdoor Fun in The Sun

Ben McCarty

THE SUMMER OLYMPICS BROUGHT THE WORLD’S BEST ATHLETES TOGETHER IN PARIS THIS YEAR. Watching is exciting and gets many of us thinking about our own (past or current) favorite sports — and perhaps our activities or fitness today.

 

Recreating with friends is a blast and can be rewarding. While pole-vaulting or wrestling may not be our thing after 50, there are plenty of ways to enjoy friendly competition and stay active with others.

 

Games and activities perfect for summer weather

  • Beanbag baseball/cornhole
  • Bocce
  • Mini or Frisbee golf
  • Croquet
  • Badminton
  • Horseshoes
  • Ladder Ball
  • Walking
  • Yoga or Zumba in the park

 

Staying active is vital to health and longevity. For older adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes per week of physical activity. While that may seem like a lot, it breaks down to just 30 minutes, five days

a week.

 

The great part about exercise is that along with the physical benefits, it supports mood, sleep, and cognitive health.

 

Don’t wait – hydrate

While engaging in outdoor fun, keep the water flowing! It’s vital to remain hydrated when it’s hot.

 

Thirst changes with age, so older adults notice feeling thirsty less often. Strangely, the longer we go without water the less thirsty we feel, often leading to drinking even less.

 

This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a variety of health issues, such as poor concentration, memory problems, slow reaction times, fatigue, weakness, or falls. Other issues include sores or skin conditions, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and constipation.

 

How much water?

“As a general rule, take one-third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink at least 50 ounces, or about 6 cups, of water each day.”  —The National Council on Aging

 

It can help to keep water handy throughout the day — in a cup, glass or hydro flask — especially when outdoors.

 

Safety in the sun

Everyone loves the feeling of the sun on their face, but caution is important. Adults 65 and over have the highest rates of skin cancer of

any demographic.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips to stay safe:

  • Stay in the shade
  • Use sunscreen
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Wear long sleeves and clothing

to the ankles

 

 

Courtesy of Prestige Senior Living Southern Hills, whose team helps residents make the most out of life with fitness and life enrichment programming in a caring, supportive community. Learn more at prestigecare.com/southernhills, or 503 378 7499.