Summertime is a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the many wonderful parks and trails the St. Louis area has to offer. But it’s important to plan ahead and look for accessible parks near you when taking a senior loved one out for an excursion. Accessibility and mobility needs must be considered, as well as heat safety during these dog days of summer.
Accessible Park and Trail Options for Seniors:
The Mississippi River Greenway, Jefferson Barracks Park
Flat and easy to navigate, this trail runs alongside the Mississippi River in south St. Louis County. The trail is smooth, made of asphalt, brick and concrete, eliminating trip hazards and making it easy to travel in a wheelchair. It starts at Jefferson Barracks County Park’s north end and ends at the River Des Peres.
Taylor Park
Located on North Taylor Avenue between Lindell Boulevard and Maryland Avenue, Taylor Park is small, but has a remarkably interesting feature that’s very senior friendly. Etched into a smooth, concrete surface is an easily accessible labyrinth . The design is intended to allow meditation and reflection as the parkgoer works their way through its twists and turns.
Tower Grove Park
A wooded Victorian strolling park, it was built for leisurely walks. With 340 types of trees and more than 200 species of birds, there’s plenty of nature to see on these majestic grounds that have wide, smooth lanes originally intended for horse-drawn carriages. Beyond the natural beauty, there are lots of man-made sites to behold, too, including gates guarded by zinc griffins, exotic pavilions and fancy gazebos, heroic sculptures and more!
The Ulysses S. Grant Trail
Flat and smooth, this trail named after the St. Louis resident who gained notoriety by serving as commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later as the 18th President of the United States, begins at River Des Peres and ends in Kirkwood. It features a scenic, winding path through the southern part of St. Louis City and south St. Louis County. The trail is eight feet wide with a flat grade, making it one of the best wheelchair accessible parks in the area.
Click here for a complete list of St. Louis city parks with information about their features and locations.
Benefits of Visiting Parks for Seniors
Senior citizens who exercise regularly are more likely to stay healthy and active longer. Walking is a wonderful way for seniors to stay in shape, which will help them remain independent and continue to do the things they love. Benefits of walking several times a week for older adults include:
- Strengthening your muscles and bones while preventing arthritis and improving flexibility
- Helping maintain weight or even shed a few extra pounds
- Lowering the risk of heart disease, strokes, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure
- Improving balance and coordination, decreasing the likelihood of falls
- Preventing depression, isolation or loneliness
- Improving energy levels by boosting physical and mental well-being
With many parks to explore and discover, a day out can be a fantastic adventure not only for your senior loved one but for the whole family. However, it’s important to play it safe, considering how the summer temperatures of St. Louis can sneak up on us quickly. Older adults are especially vulnerable to the dangers of heat exhaustion.
Make sure to apply sunscreen, the higher the sun protection factor, the better. Don’t forget to reapply it as indicated by the instructions on the bottle. Drink plenty of water or fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Have a plan of where you can go to seek some relief should you or your senior loved one need a break from the sun and heat. Also, be weather aware. Check the forecast and avoid outdoor activities on extremely hot days when the air quality is poor or if dangerous storms are likely. Plus, know the signs of overexposure.
Heat exhaustion serves as a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool, so it’s important to watch for signs and act quickly if you notice them. In addition to being especially thirsty, they can include feeling dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. While your body temperature may stay normal, your skin may feel cold and clammy, and you could have excessive perspiration. Rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluid at first sign of heat exhaustion.
Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a medical emergency during which the body’s temperature rises to 104°F or higher. Signs of heat stroke may include fainting, confusion, a lack of perspiration, flushed and red skin. Seek medical attention immediately and work to reduce the person’s temperature by placing them in a cool bath or shower, if possible.
Uncover new summer activities and get tips for heat safety on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog!
