Hot summer days can turn even the simplest errands into an exhausting ordeal. High temperatures, crowded stores, and long to-do lists can quickly take a toll on your energy and health.
But staying on top of your errands doesn’t have to mean sacrificing safety or comfort. With a few smart adjustments, you can get things done without putting yourself at risk. Whether it’s picking up groceries, refilling a prescription, or mailing a birthday card, here are 10 senior safety tips to help you stay cool, comfortable, and independent this summer.
1. Avoid Peak Heat Hours
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so schedule your errands for early mornings or late evenings. Running errands during cooler times of day helps prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn.
Make it a habit to check the forecast before heading out. If it looks hot or stormy, consider postponing non-urgent errands – or better yet, delegate them to GoGo. (We’ll discuss getting errand help for seniors more in #6.)
2. Hydrate All Day
Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support senior safety. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalization of seniors during the summer months. And it can happen quickly; when you're out in the heat, like standing in line or walking across hot parking lots, your body loses fluids faster than you think.
Here are some senior safety tips to stay on top of your water intake:
- Drink a glass or two of water before you leave the house, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Keep a reusable water bottle in your bag or car.
- Add lemon slices, cucumber, or mint if plain water doesn’t appeal to you.
- Set a reminder on your phone to take water breaks regularly.
- Check out more senior safety hydration tips here.
Small hydration habits go a long way in keeping you energized, alert, and safe while you’re out and about.
3. Dress for the Weather
For hot weather, choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that keep you cool. Opt for pale colors that reflect sunlight rather than darker colors that absorb it. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and SPF can also make a world of difference in how your body handles the heat.
And don’t forget about your feet! Supportive, non-slip shoes help reduce fatigue, improve mobility, and prevent falls. Learn more about how to choose supportive shoe wear here.
4. Bring a Buddy
Consider bringing a friend, family member, or neighbor with you when running errands. Having someone with you can make tasks safer and more enjoyable. A companion can help carry bags, stay aware of surroundings, or simply keep you company. Shared outings are also a great way to boost your mood and reduce feelings of isolation, which is an important aspect of aging in place.
5. Bundle Your Errands
Instead of making multiple trips in the heat, group your errands together and do them all at once. Keep a running list on the fridge or in a small notebook to help remind you what to get done.
Bundling errands is smart for senior safety because it minimizes time spent in traffic, direct heat, and dehydrating sun. Plus, it makes your outings more efficient and purposeful.
6. Use GoGo For Errand Help for Seniors
Why battle the heat, crowds, and long lines when someone else can do it for you?
GoGoGrandparent isn’t just a ride service – it’s the ultimate senior safety support team for daily living. Whether you need transportation for older adults or errand help for seniors like grocery or prescription delivery, GoGo makes everyday tasks easier, safer, and stress-free.
With GoGo, you can:
- Get your groceries delivered right to your front door
- Have prescriptions delivered without ever stepping outside
- Order meals from your favorite local restaurants
- Schedule home services, like repairs and maintenance
- Book safe, reliable transportation for older adults to doctor appointments, social visits, or anywhere else you need to go
Best of all, you don’t need a smartphone or an app. Just make a phone call, talk to a real person on the other end of the line, and customize your services based on your needs. It’s simple, accessible, and built for comfortably aging in place.
GoGo is like having a personal assistant who understands your needs and preferences. Everything is designed with independent senior living in mind, so you can complete your to-do list without risking your health in the hot sun.
7. Take Advantage of Curbside Pickup and Delivery
Many stores now offer curbside pickup. You make an order online or over the phone, then a store employee will bring your order to you curbside, so you don’t have to leave the car. This can help you avoid store crowds, reduce wait times, and limit your exposure to summer heat.
Don’t drive? GoGo Rides offers reliable transportation for older adults, so you can still do curbside pickup from your go-to local stores, like picking up a new sunhat from your favorite clothing boutique or your dog’s food from the pet store.
8. Listen to Your Body
Feeling lightheaded? Overly tired? Thirsty or flushed? Don’t try to “power through.” One of the most important senior safety tips is to tune in to your body. Sit in the shade or air conditioning, sip some water, and rest before continuing. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and ask for help.
9. Use Tech that Provides Errand Help for Seniors
Many everyday errands can now be handled without ever leaving home. Take advantage of technology and services designed with seniors in mind, like:
- Online banking and automatic bill pay
- Grocery delivery with GoGo Grocery
- Telehealth appointments with your doctor
- Home repairs and services scheduled through GoGo Home Services
Using technologies and services that offer errand help for seniors doesn’t mean giving up your freedom or independence; in fact, it’s just the opposite! It’s about using smart solutions that protect your time, energy, and wellbeing, so you can focus on what matters most to you this summer.
10. Carry a Summer Senior Safety Kit
A designated "errand bag" can help streamline outings and keep you prepared while out and about. Stock your senior safety toolkit with:
- A cold water bottle
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Travel-sized sunscreen
- A snack or two
- Your errand list
- Emergency contact information
When you’re organized and equipped, errands feel less like a chore and more like a smooth part of your day.
Reliable Errand Help for Seniors That Delivers
Don’t let summer slow you down. With the right prep, a few senior safety tweaks, and GoGoGrandparent’s reliable support, you can check off your to-do list while staying cool, safe, and in control.
Independent senior living doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Your time and health are valuable, so why spend them stuck in traffic or sweating in a pharmacy line when you could be enjoying your day, relaxing at home, or catching up with loved ones? With GoGo’s reliable errand help for seniors, you can focus on what really matters: your wellness, peace of mind, and the joy of aging in place safely.
Ready to make summer errands easier? Let GoGo take items off your to-do list. Register here to get started today.
