Page 2 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Page 2 Senior Times - June 2023
KEEPING PACE – LET’S GET RECREATIONAL
By: Ryan Miller, Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E.
With warmer weather on the horizon, outdoor activities may be on the mind. May happens to be Older Americans Month. This got me thinking about advice for seniors on fitness and movement as we head into Michigan’s summer. I reached out to Julian Delapas for his advice to get seniors moving. Julian is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Albion with Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. As always, consult with your doctor and health care team before making any major chang- es to your activity regimens.
help them) limits their ability to enjoy the out- doors, do you have any advice for them?
Ryan: Before we really dig into outdoor activities, I have to start with... what does a recreational therapist do?
before spending too much time in the heat and sun.
Hydration is key: making sure you have plenty of water handy. Protecting the top of the head and face is also very important, so wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must!
Another good suggestion is limiting the amount of exposure to the sun as heat indexes reach high levels. It is important to incorporate breaks in the shade and to keep body temperature from rising too high. Weather appropriate cloth- ing is also very important to be mindful of as the seasons change. Always make sure to wear layers so if/when you get too hot, you can take off a layer of clothing.
• If your home or apartment has a patio, utilize the space by spending time outside enjoying the scenery.
Julian: I would encourage them to:
• Open windows to get fresh air circulating throughout the house on nice days.
• Open as many blinds, curtains, etc. to allow sun to come into the home.
• Seat yourself close a window to be able to see outside and enjoy the nature changing through the seasons.
Julian: Great question! A lot of people have never heard of our department or understand what we do on a day-to-day basis. Recreational therapists can provide a lot of services to each individual by meeting their emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and cognitive needs. We do this by engaging them at their cognitive levels and by focusing on person-centered interventions to provide them with the best quality of life pos- sible both in their homes and in our PACE day centers.
Ryan: What is your favorite outdoor activity during the summer? Mine is playing softball. I did a lot of water skiing growing up, but not so much lately.
Julian: Yes, some great activities to do out- side in the summer are going outside for a stroll or walk, gardening, bird watching, fishing, pic- nics, and enjoying a fresh beverage while sitting outside with a hat! All of these activities are able to be adapted to allow participation at all ability levels.
Ryan: Is there such a thing as too much time outdoors in the summer?
Julian: Absolutely! Our bodies need vitamin D from the sun. Even being able to get outside and sit can benefit our body and mood by simply being present in nature. Being outside to take
in the different smells, sights, sounds... all of it benefits our whole well-being.
Ryan: If one is going to be spending more time outdoors, what precautions should they consider?
Julian: I would never say there is, “too
much time outdoors in the summer.” However, I encourage individuals to be mindful of their bod- ies needs and again, to limit direct sun exposure and follow proper precautions related to heat, sun, and weather.
As always, please consult with your doctor and health care team before making any major changes to your activity regimens or health care routines. Thank you to Julian for his insight on safe and fun outdoor recreational activities. Find that sunscreen and hat... and stay hydrated!
Julian: It is wise to consider precautions
Ryan: If someone finds that their mobility or lack of resources (perhaps friends or family to
Julian: My favorite activity in the summer- time is going for long walks with my family! I love the quality time we get to spend together out in nature.
Ryan: Are there outdoor activities for summer that you feel are appealing to a wide age, ability, and mobility range?
Ryan: Many outdoor activities involve exer- cise and movement and therefore provide physi- cal benefits for our bodies. Are there mental and emotional benefits of being outdoors even if it doesn’t require physical activity?
A healthcare team
wrapped around
you.
We provide coordinated healthcare for those aged 55+ meeting a nursing home level of care and desire to continue living and aging in their home. Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Most Medicaid eligible participants pay no out-of-pocket costs for medical services while in their home.
Our mission is to empower independence and autonomy for participants and their support systems through exceptional interdisciplinary and integrated geriatic care.
Self pay options are available.
LEARN MORE
(269) 441-9319
referrals@seniorcarepartnersmi.org