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Tips for Seniors to Stay Healthy While at the Pool

Navneet Shardha
Seniors in pool exercising

Seniors in pool exercising
Seniors over 65 years of age and those with mobility challenges should use extra safety precautions when going for a swim at the community pool this summer. While pools are always slippery, COVID-19 has brought a new level of safety concerns to light while in public. For those who are excited about the idea of aquatic therapy and toning up with some laps, try applying these products and safety procedures to help limit your exposure to germs and improve your balance while performing at your best during your summer swim.

Check Cleaning Policies
Before you pick out your swimsuit and beach towel or schedule your aquatic therapy session, it is a good idea to review the cleaning and maintenance procedures at your pool by going online to the community website or contacting the management company. The CDC has recommendations that all public pools should be following to reduce your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and other potentially harmful germs. This includes daily cleaning of all hard surfaces the may be in contact with the public, wiping down any shared equipment with antimicrobial hospital wipes containing at least 60% alcohol, and properly cleaning towels according to the manufacturer's instructions. Your pool staff may also take your temperature before entering using a no-touch infrared thermometer. It is also a good idea to take your blood oxygen level using a pulse oximeter prior to leaving home for recording purposes and check with the pool use postings to see if a face mask is suggested.

Mobility Devices & No-Slip Socks
If you have noticed an increase in mobility limitations or a decrease in your balance abilities, non-slip socks may give you the added grip you need to move with confidence along the wet and uneven surfaces surrounding the pool. Depending on the level of mobility and fall risk, you may also want to explore some mobility aids such as walkers or rollators,
medline aluminum quad canes, and wheelchairs. On that note, the perk of baskets and accessories added to such devices may come in handy for toting towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer. Be sure to ask your physician which of these mobility items is right for you as well as other safety tips to consider while enjoying the warm sunny days at the local pool.

Swim Briefs
Those with incontinence concerns can feel more at ease in the pool with discreet SOSecure Containment Swim Briefs that are worn under the swimsuit and use a hook and loop velcro closure system and elastic bands surrounding the waist and legs for a secure fit to contain solids and light fluids. Washable and reusable, these thin-fabric briefs offer flexibility with increased protection. Moreover, these briefs double as overnight prevention against soiled linens and mattresses from light leaks and solid waste. Easy to pack for travel and comfortable enough to wear without sleep interruption, this is a popular solution for alleviating fears of minor leaks and bowel incontinence.

Practice Social Distancing
Once at the pool, healthcare professionals agree the best way to avoid COVID-19 infection is by staying six feet from other individuals while in public, keeping your hands away from your face, and washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. The reason six feet is the magic measurement for staying healthy around possibly infected individuals is healthcare officials have determined this to be the distance projected particles from a semi-covered cough or sneeze can reach before dropping to the ground. However, it is possible for an uncovered cough or sneeze to go farther than six feet. Hence, washing hands and not touching your face can be just as important if not more so than staying six feet apart.

Use Proper Hand Washing 
While following strict social distancing guidelines, it is still possible to get germs on your hands as you touch pool gates, the sides of the pool, deck chairs, tables, and other shared equipment. Therefore, using an antimicrobial hand wash that is gentle on your skin and hard on germs can be a useful tool in your swim bag.

Therefore, in addition to your pool's cleaning regimen and COVID-19 requirements, it is helpful to be prepared with the above-mentioned items while practicing the recommended safety measures to ensure a carefree swimming experience. Browse the Medical Supply Group website for all your in-stock COVID-19 personal protection items, fall prevention products, and limited mobility aids. Your order can be promptly sent directly to your home without risk of contact leaving you to enjoy a stress-free dip in the water or lounging day by the poolside. Enjoy!