As the weather heats up in southeastern Manitoba, older adults are being reminded to take extra care.
Mélanie Brémaud, senior resource coordinator with Seine River Services for Seniors, says staying cool is key to maintaining health and independence during the summer months.
While not everyone has access to an air-conditioned home, Brémaud says there are other ways to keep safe during warmer weather.
That includes drinking lots of water, using fans, and having a safety buddy.
"Connect with a neighbour or someone so you guys can check on each other to make sure you're safe," Brémaud says.
The resource coordinator says it's also important to understand the difference between heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, and heat exhaustion.
"Heat stroke you're struggling to get your body temperature down and you're feeling dizzy, nauseous, and confused...Heat exhaustion, you just kind of need to rest and make sure you cool yourself down as quickly as possible and hydrate," she says.
She adds that older adults should aim to drink more than the standard eight glasses of water per day due to changes in metabolism.
For those who find plain water hard to drink, sugar-free electrolyte mixes can be a helpful and refreshing option, she says.
What's going on for older adults this summer?
Brémaud says there are some events happening over the summer for older adults.
At Saint-Anne's Club Jovial, she says there are lunches every second Wednesday of the month. Other clubs start up in September.
"We advertise them on our Facebook page, and also on our website. We also have an electronic newsletter," she says.
Brémaud adds the service is always looking for volunteers, including those that would like to help with transportation and house cleaning.
There are also opportunities to volunteer with pay.
"We have some volunteers who have made some really good friendships and relationships with clients," she says. "We encourage connections and especially intergenerational (ones)."
Written with files from Judy Peters