Tips for Adults 65+ to Stay Active & Beat Summer Heat

This summer many parts of the country have already experienced dangerous heat waves, putting older adults, and people on certain medications, such as for diabetes and high blood pressure, at heightened risk for heat-related illness and dehydration.

Despite the soaring temperatures, moving more remains critically important for people 65 and older, who may be at risk for several serious chronic conditions related to a sedentary lifestyle. Because physical inactivity contributes to many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, it can ultimately undermine older adults’ health, independence and quality of life.

Recent research has also shown a strong connection between physical inactivity, loneliness and social isolation and early mortality. On the other hand, regular exercise can help you not only feel better physically, but also help combat social isolation and loneliness, help you build relationships and support your mental health and sense of wellbeing. According to a recent study, moderate or intense physical activity has been shown to help reduce severe loneliness and social isolation by 15 to 30 percent. Physical activity has also been shown to help increase feelings of resilience and purpose and improve people’s perception of aging.

For older adults considering ways to work more movement into their daily lives this summer, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe and healthy when the temperatures soar – especially if they are taking medications that can increase their risk for dehydration or other conditions.

The good news is, finding ways to work more activity into your daily life does not have to be difficult, expensive or complicated – and it’s generally safe with the right preparation. The benefits to moving more are well worth the effort: regular exercise can help reduce or control cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, reduce bone loss, increase flexibility and build and strengthen muscles.

Here are six tips to help you become more physically active this spring:

1. Set attainable goals that you can build on. Starting small – even if it’s just a few minutes each day at first – can help you build the habit of engaging in regular physical activity. Doing a little every day can help you improve your strength, stamina and fitness levels over time.
2. Seize the moment. Physical activity doesn’t have to happen at a gym or on a ball court to be healthy. Making small choices throughout the day – from taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking short distances instead of driving and being sure to get up and move frequently throughout the day to avoid sitting for too long can all help your body’s mobility.
3. Watch the weather, understand your medications and stay hydrated. Many people across the country will face extreme heat during the summer months, which can pose health risks to older adults and people taking certain medications, such as for diabetes and high blood pressure. To avoid overheating, it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast and stay hydrated before, during and after exercise, and to understand how each medication you take impacts your body’s ability to regulate your temperature and stay hydrated and whether certain medications need to be kept cool to maintain their effectiveness.
4. Warm up, cool down. Taking the time to warm up and cool down, including stretching, is important to avoid injuries and build flexibility. Try to find time to include these steps in your workout when possible and remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
5. Invite others to join you. Exercising with a friend can be fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to socialize and build friendships and can also be a strong motivator or cause for celebration when you meet your shared goals.
6. Check out resources that may be available. Many Medicare Advantage health plans offer benefits like free gym memberships. For example, most UnitedHealthcare plans provide access to a fitness benefit which includes a free gym membership, access to a national network of gyms and fitness locations; in-person and online events and thousands of on-demand workout videos. Talk to your health plan to see what’s available.

Consider making this summer all about finding ways to move more and increase your physical activity, which can help deliver real health benefits over the long term.

For more information, visit www.UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.

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The UnitedHealthcare fitness benefit includes a standard fitness benefit. The fitness benefit varies by plan/area and may not be available on all plans. Gym network may vary in local market. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
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