Home & Family

Aging in Place: Summer Home Gardening Safety Tips for Older Adults
  • July 15, 2026
  • Posted by: Jennifer Agyemang Duah and Eunbea Kim
  • in Home & Family
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1 min read
Senior couple gardening in the backyard garden.

Home gardening can be more than a hobby for older adults in Alabama. It can help them to remain physically active and maintain a sense of purpose, eventually leading to independence and improved quality of life. However, home gardening in hot weather presents health and safety challenges. It is important to understand these challenges and follow practical tips to continue enjoying home gardening safely while aging in place.

Heat-Related Illnesses and Treatments

Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because the body becomes less effective at regulating temperature with age. In addition, they may not feel thirsty as quickly, which increases the risk of dehydration during hot weather.

Heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly and do not always occur in sequence. Recognizing symptoms early and responding promptly can help prevent serious complications.

Three Stages of Heat-Related Illness: Symptoms and Treatments

Heat-Related IllnessCommon SymptomsWhat To Do
Heat Cramps
  • Heavy sweating
  • Painful muscle cramps or spasms
  • Stop gardening for a few hours.
  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids.
  • Seek medical care if cramps are severe or do not improve.
Heat Exhaustion
  • Heavy sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Thirst
  • Decreased urine output
  • Move to an air-conditioned environment.
  • Lie down.
  • Loosen clothing or change into lightweight clothing.
  • Sip cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
  • Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible.
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)
  • High body temperature
  • Confusion (e.g., slurred speech)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hot and dry skin
  • Call 911 immediately and follow the operator’s instructions.
  • Wrap the person in cool cloths.
  • Immerse the person in a cool bath.
  • Spray the person with cool water.
  • After cooling the person, move them to a cooler place.
  • Do not give the person liquids.
  • If there are uncontrollable muscle twitches, keep the person safe but do not place any objects in their mouth.
  • If there is vomiting, turn the person on their side to keep the airway open. 

    Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Dehydration

    • Garden during cooler days and hours.
      • Check the weather forecast and avoid gardening during heat waves or extremely hot days.
      • Garden in the early morning or late afternoon, typically before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
    • Stay hydrated.
      • Drink water before, during, and after gardening.
      • Keep a water bottle nearby while gardening.
      • Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water.
    • Dress for hot weather.
      • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to avoid direct sunlight.
      • Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
      • Use cooling towels when needed.
    • Take frequent breaks.
      • Take regular breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area.
      • Break larger gardening tasks into shorter sessions and spread them throughout the day.

    More Information

    Home gardening during the summer can promote healthy aging by encouraging physical activity and providing opportunities for meaningful experiences. To learn more about supporting healthy aging and aging in place, visit aces.edu.