Nobody wants to stay cooped up inside during warm, sunny weather. But for many seniors, venturing outside in the summer puts them at risk for heat-related illness and too much sun exposure. Creating a shaded space outside with an outdoor awning can help them enjoy the outdoors with reduced temperatures and less sun exposure.
Avoid Extreme Heat
As we age, it becomes harder to cope with summer heat. The Centers for Disease Control says that heat is particularly dangerous for those 65 and older because their bodies don’t adjust as well to extremes in temperature, and they are more likely to have a chronic medical condition or to be taking prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to cool itself. In particular, diuretics and some heart medications can affect how well a person’s body responds to the heat. In fact, cardiovascular problems play the biggest role in heat-related deaths, according to CDC records. Seniors are advised to staying indoors (preferably in an air-conditioned environment) during the hottest times of the day, and to seek shaded areas outside during the cooler times of the day.
Limit Sun Exposure
While we need a little direct sunlight on our skin to help our bodies produce Vitamin D, the amount of sun exposure we really need is relatively little. Seniors only need about 15 minutes of sunlight about 2-3 times per week to manufacture enough Vitamin D. It’s important to limit your sun exposure beyond that, though. As you age, your skin grows thinner, more fragile and less likely to protect and rejuvenate itself. Because sun damage is the greatest threat to human skin, people with sensitive, older skin must take diligent precautions to avoid as much sun exposure as possible. While sunscreen can be effective, it can’t ward off 100% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a known cause of skin cancer and other skin-related diseases.
Create a Comfortable Outdoor Room
With a retractable Sunsetter awning, you can transform your deck or patio into a beautiful outdoor room, where you and your family will love to spend time — with the sun when you want it or the shade when you need it. This extra outdoor room gives you more options for eating, relaxing and entertaining. In just seconds you can turn your hot patio or deck into a cool shaded retreat, which can be up to 20 degrees cooler than before you pushed the button. Not only do awnings protect you from the sun’s glare, light showers and 99% of harmful UV rays, they also can protect homes from heat and discoloration of carpet and furniture.
Save Energy
A Sunsetter awning can help cut your air-conditioning costs. By blocking the sun from walls, windows and sliders, an awning helps keep the inside of your home cooler and can reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t be a prisoner in your own home now that summer is here. Get out and enjoy the warm weather with the protection against the heat and sun that a retractable Sunsetter awning can provide.
