As you get older, it can become harder to get around the yard. Tasks that you once performed with ease become difficult and even dangerous. If you try to push your body past its limits, you could put your well being and even your life at risk. In order to avoid accidents and keep yourself safe, it’s best to think carefully about the smartest ways to do yard work. While safety must take precedent, it is also important to maintain a sense of independence and complete as many tasks as you can by yourself. The key is to manage the risks and maximize your body’s capabilities. Keep these tips in mind as you seek to stay active in the yard despite your age.
Use A Riding Mower
While a bit of exercise is good for you as you age, you still want the yard work to be less labor intensive. Pushing a heavy mower around the lawn is exhausting, and overexertion could lead to increased dehydration and other issues. Riding mowers allow you to keep up on the lawn without pushing your body too far.
Rent A Bucket Truck for Trimming Taller Trees
Ladders are hazardous for all users, but they are especially difficult for aging legs to handle. No matter how much you keep yourself in shape, your body still won’t have the strength and balance necessary to safely work from a ladder. Bucket trucks, with their secure platforms and retractable arms, provide a much safer way to reach the tallest trees on your property. Most places that have bucket trucks for sale also rent them out, so keep that in mind as you’re shopping around.
Stay Hydrated At All Times
Avoiding dehydration and heat stroke should be your main concern any time you work in the yard, especially during the warmest months. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your turn in the yard. Keep a bottle of water by your side, and take sips every few minutes while you’re working.
Take Plenty Of Rests
When you were younger, you might have enjoyed working hard throughout the day, staying at your task until you’d finished. This type of persistence might have made you more productive back in the day, but it can be dangerous once you’re a little older. To avoid exhaustion, take plenty of breaks. Just a few minutes resting in the shade will allow your body to cool down and recover.
Avoid Working During The Hottest Part Of The Day
If you live in a warmer climate, the sun can become a serious danger during the hottest parts of the day. Working outside during these hours can put you at greater risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and exhaustion. You’re much better off getting outside early or waiting for the colder air of the late afternoon.
Let Someone Know About Your Plans
It’s always best to let someone know when you’re planning on going outside to work on the yard. If you don’t have a significant other in the house, then consider telling a neighbor, friend, or relative. That way, they’ll know to check in if you don’t respond later in the day. Odds are that you’ll complete your yard work with no problems, but it is always best to think ahead.
Ultimately, it’s your doctor who is in the best position to give you medical advice. They’ll be able to determine what kind of outdoor tasks your body can handle. While the recommendations mentioned above don’t come directly from a medical professional, you can certainly use it alongside a doctor’s expert opinion. With a little strategizing, you should be able to keep your yard in shape while looking after your health.
