They don't call it Sun City for nothing. The hot desert climate means you'll experience plenty of extreme heat and mainly clear, sunny skies. That doesn't stop the residents of LifeStream at Sun City from getting out and enjoying the fresh air, but it does require several sun and heat safety precautions to keep yourself healthy. Too much time in the sun can cause sunburn, damage your eyes and increase your risk of skin cancer. Meanwhile, extreme heat often causes dehydration and heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The following tips let you enjoy the outdoors and keep yourself safe.

Understand Your Risks

Your health and the medications you take could increase your risk of heat illness. Some medications make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can make you burn faster, or they could intensify the effects heat has on your body. People with certain conditions, including obesity, heart disease and poor blood circulation, may also have an increased risk of heat-related illness.

Older adults in general often don't sweat as easily and might have a diminished sense of thirst. Natural aging could make you more vulnerable outdoors in the summer. Talk to your health care provider about your risk factors and the precautions you should take in the sun and heat.

Know When to Go Outside

There are benefits to daily routines in retirement, but you might need to switch things up in the summer to avoid high temperatures. The heat is most intense in the middle of the day. If possible, plan your outdoor activities in the morning, and try to wrap up by about 10 a.m. The other time when it's generally cooler and safer to go outdoors is in the evening after 6 p.m., when it starts to cool off. Even during those cooler times, it's a good idea to check the heat index to see how hot it feels.

Suit Up for the Sun

Before heading outdoors, protect your skin from the sun and your body from the heat. The following steps will help:

Apply sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is ideal because it protects you from UVA and UVB rays. If you stay outside for an extended period, reapply the sunscreen.

Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat is ideal since it covers your neck and ears.

Wear sunglasses. UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can help lower your risks and protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Dress in cool clothes. Lightweight natural fabrics breathe well to help keep you cool. You can also get clothing that protects against UV rays.

Plan Cool Outdoor Activities

When you go outdoors on hot days, choose activities that will keep you cooler. Staying in the shade is a simple option. Swimming and water-related activities also help cool you off while providing the benefits of staying active as an older adult. You could even invite your neighbors to act like kids again and have a water balloon fight. Just make sure to keep your footing so you don't slip on the wet grass.

Sip Water All Day

Staying hydrated is an all-day activity. Start sipping water when you wake up, and continue drinking it throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Take your water with you on outdoor adventures. Adding electrolytes and water-dense foods can also help with hydration.

Choose Alternative Activities on Especially Hot Days

If the temperature is too high to go outdoors safely, move your activities indoors. You might do an exercise video in the air conditioning instead of walking outdoors. Or hop in your air-conditioned car and go on a day trip around Sun City.

Seek Medical Attention If You Show Signs of Heat Illness

Never ignore symptoms of a heat-related illness. These include:

Cool, clammy or pale skin

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Nausea

Fatigue

Cramping

Fast or weak pulse

Seek medical attention when you notice these indications to avoid worsening symptoms.