According to DoSomething.org, the first celebrated US Labor Day was on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. Now, almost 150 years later, we still observe this special day, but on the first Monday of September instead.
It’s a federal holiday now, too, meaning that most people have the day off work. This makes it the perfect time to party with loved ones in Roanoke, VA, especially since it marks the end of summer.
If you’re a senior, though, you should learn some Labor Day safety tips. This information can keep you comfortable and safe during the day, and the tips aren’t hard to implement either. So read on for quality advice!
Plan for Heat and Humidity
Holiday safety for seniors begins with planning for the heat and humidity. Early September in the Roanoke Valley can still be hot and muggy, and this can be stressful on older bodies. This is especially true if you have heart, kidney, or respiratory conditions.
Try to stick to morning or early-evening activities. Sit whenever you can, and take frequent breaks in the shade.
Should you feel any of these symptoms, you should move to a cool area:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
Make sure to rest and sip on water or an electrolyte drink. Seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve quickly or if you stop sweating, despite the heat.
Protect your skin and eyes from the sun by wearing a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF-30+ on all of your exposed skin, too.
Hydrate Before You’re Thirsty
One of the best senior summer tips we can give you is to hydrate frequently. You should do it before you feel thirsty, as seniors tend to have blunted thirst sensations. This can be exacerbated by medications and health conditions, too.
Start drinking water early in the day and always have a bottle within reach. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake too, as these can dehydrate you. They can also raise your fall risk.
If you’ll be sweating, add an electrolyte beverage too. But make sure to avoid high-sugar options.
Dress for Comfort and Stability
Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have clothing essential. They should be supportive and close-toed, and with good treads too. These will come in handy on festival lawns, gravel paths, and sloped sidewalks that are uneven.
As for your clothing, long and loose hems can catch on curbs or picnic benches, so avoid wearing them. Layering your garments can be beneficial, as the mornings can be cool. You can take off layers when it gets warm in the afternoon, then put them back on in indoor venues that are cold because of the AC.
Prevent Falls in Crowded Spaces
There are plenty of safe outdoor activities for seniors in Roanoke. However, the fact is that when there’s a large gathering, there may be unexpected pushes or trip hazards.
The best thing to do is to do these activities and attend events when it’s less crowded. But if that’s not possible, then use a cane or walker if recommended. To ensure that people notice you, add a high-visibility wrist strap or bell.
While attending events, sit near aisles for easy entries and exits. When you’re leaving, stand up slowly to prevent dizziness.
Travel Smart
Whether you’re going to assisted living events or city ones, you should first check where you’ll park and how far it’ll be to walk. You don’t want to make an uphill trek, so consider:
- Drop-off zones
- Public transit
- Rideshares
You should save the destination in your phone alongside a trusted contact in your phone. And if you’re using GPS to navigate, download offline maps in case of spotty service.
Pack a Small Day Kit
Having a day kit can mean all the difference in whether you have an okay or excellent Labor Day. Yes, it may be extra things to carry around, but it’ll be worth it.
In a lightweight bag, bring:
- Water
- Snacks (something salty and something with protein)
- A list of medications/conditions and allergies
- Current meds in original containers
- Band-aids
- Sunscreen
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- A portable phone charger
- Light scarf or cardigan
With these items, there’s nothing you can’t tackle!
Manage Your Medications
In the excitement of the holiday and the change to your usual schedule, you may find your medication dosing disrupted. But it’s essential that you stick to your dose times, as you may suffer unpleasant side effects if you don’t. So set phone alarms and bring them if you’ll be out at dose time.
Some medications may be heat sensitive, so check the labels and store them accordingly.
In addition, alcohol can intensify the side effects of certain meds, such as:
- Blood pressure meds
- Sedatives
- Diabetes meds
- Pain relievers
It’s best to refrain from drinking to avoid adverse effects. However, if you want to still partake, limit it to a standard drink and eat first.
Practice Good Grill and Food Safety
Cookouts are fantastic for senior social gatherings. And you just may be the grill master, so you’ll want to ensure no one gets ill.
When handling raw meat, always wash your hands and utensils. Use a food thermometer to make sure that all meats are cooked to safe temperatures.
It’s fine to leave food out for people to grab, but the USDA says perishable food must be refrigerated within two hours. If the outdoor temperature is over 90°F, then it should be refrigerated within one hour.
Those with sensitive stomachs or immune conditions should be extra careful with mayo-based salads and undercooked meats.
Follow These Labor Day Safety Tips
As you can see, our Labor Day safety tips aren’t very complicated. A lot of it is common sense, and the rest of them are easy to do.
The best thing is that these tips are repeatable. So once you familiarize yourself with them, you can make future outings safer, not just the ones for Labor Day 2025.
At The Park Oak Grove, we’ve won awards for our assisted living program. Get in touch with us now if you’d like more information about senior living in Roanoke, VA.
