One good thing about this hot weather. It’s given the media something to talk about besides politics. Instead, they’re scaring people with dire warnings about what might happen. On top of that, we’re having a resurgence of covid-19 infections because people aren’t vaccinated. It’s almost as if we’re facing an attack from outer space. Most octogenarians have survived many heatwaves and plagues like polio. This is not our first rodeo. Assuming that you live in air conditioning, and you’re smart enough not to spend a lot of time outside, here are 9 things to do during a heat wave.
1. Walk around a big box store. Mall walking peaked out about five years ago. But now, malls are like a graveyard. It’s dreary and depressing to see the demise of your favorite stores like Macy’s. However, big box stores are spacious and very cool. You can easily walk a mile in a place like Meijer’s, and it’s fun to meander through the aisles and log a mile on your activity app.. At the same time, you’re liable to find some interesting new products you haven’t tried before.
2. Sleep in the buff.. You may think this is the height of debauchery. But if you’re over eighty, you don’t have to worry about the kids seeing you naked. It’s much cooler, and you don’t have bunched up pj’s or a nightgown waking you up at night.
3. Start a decluttering project. I began at this time last July https://livingwellafter80.com/decluttering-diary-day-one/and wasn’t finished until November! It gives you a productive way to spend your time indoors. Much more satisfying than watching television.
4. Get creative. Write a blog. Paint a picture. Needlepoint a pillow. Get out that old guitar and write a song. Make a YouTube video.
5. Clean your refrigerator and freezer. This cool task won’t make you sweat.
6. Weed out your photo album. I don’t know about you, but my cell phone and computer are loaded with photos I will never look at again. It’s a tedious task going through them and deciding which ones to eliminate, but it gives you something to do while you’re shut up inside in air conditioning.
7. Whip up a cool refreshing , healthy smoothie. I start with half a cup of Greek yogurt, then add 3 or 4 pieces, each, of fresh or frozen fruit: Try different combinations of banana, blueberries, oranges, grapes, pineapple, mango, peaches etc. If my smoothie tastes a bit sour, a handful or grapes or a few pineapple chunks will sweeten it up.
8. Go swimming. If you don’t have an indoor pool available in your city, drive to a nearby state park like McCormick’s Creek or Turkey Run in Indiana. You’ll feel like a kid again–and so refreshed..
9. Finally, you might download you tube music “HeatWave,” , and listen to Irving Berlin’s popular song from the thirties https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5PpCCfhBhY
