Hot, Hazy, and Hydrated: Summer Smarts for the 50+ Crowd

 

Welcome to July—where the weather forecast usually reads: Hot, hazy, with a 99% chance of sweat! Whether you're gardening, playing pickle ball, or powerwalking with your neighbor who swears her pedometer lies, or chasing grandkids with water balloons, summer's here in full force.

But before you lace up those sneakers or cannonball into the pool, let’s talk sun smarts and summer survival—with a dash of humor and a whole lot of common sense:

UV Safety—Yes, It’s a Real Thing  

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and trust us, your skin didn’t get thicker with age. It got wiser, sure—but also thinner. So:

·         Slather on SPF 30 or higher—everywhere. Yes, even your ears. (They sunburn too!)

·         Reapply every 2 hours—especially if you’re sweating, swimming, or just enjoying a second margarita or iced tea beverage on the patio.

·         Don’t skip cloudy days—UV rays are sneaky like that old friend who always brings dessert to your diet dinner.

 

Hydration is the New Cool    

    Ever feel like your energy drains faster than your phone battery? It could be dehydration.

·         Sip water all day long—don’t wait until you're thirsty.

·         Add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or mint—makes it fancy, and you’ll drink more!

·         Limit caffeine and alcohol outdoors—save the iced tea or chilled wine for shady moments.

 

   Stay Active, But Be Smart

Outdoor fun is still a great way to move, groove, and feel alive—just time it right:

·         Walk or bike early morning or after 6 p.m.—Your bones will thank you.

·         Wear a hat and sunglasses—You’ll look cool and be cool. 😉

·         Don’t ignore the weather app—It’s not lying when it says, “Heat advisory.”

 

 

Summer Wisdom, Seasoned with Humor 

At this age, we've earned the right to laugh and lecture. So, in the spirit of both:

“Age is just a number, but sunburn is a real pain. Respect the sun—she’s been around longer than all of us!”

Enjoy your summer. Soak up the beauty, not the burns. And remember—hydrated, shaded, and protected is the new sexy!  😉