< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING S ummer is a good opportunity to get outdoors and our older relatives can benefit from that in many ways. That said, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure a day out in the heat doesn’t become a trying and even dangerous experience! Strategic organisation is critical at any time of year during outdoor excursions, especially when thinking about vulnerabilities to heat as well as cold. Having a personalised plan, making sure to start listing what you’ll need with plenty of time to spare, will rescue you from getting caught short by a sudden health emergency or need for shelter to escape the heat. With your list to hand, it’s then a simple matter to stay informed about weather conditions by signing up for alerts or downloading a weather app on your smartphone if you have one. The upside is that, once you’re prepared, engaging with nature becomes ideal therapy for older generations. Encouraging outdoor activities and enjoying the beauty of each season have been proven to contribute significantly to mental health. Activities that allow the elderly to connect with nature, provided they are adequately prepared for any weather, ensure you all get that all-important natural dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine, essential for everyone to thrive in their physical and mental health. The big things to keep in mind, of course, are water and sunscreen. Water not only in terms of having some on hand to drink but remembering that the body uses more water in hotter weather as much of it is expelled as sweat. Drink regularly and often is best advice. If the days get too hot (which is becoming more common due to climate change) then even younger people won’t want to be out in it. At those times, indoor preparedness emerges as a crucial aspect of comprehensive care, anticipating potential temperature extremes. While you’re with your loved one in their own home, make sure both are comfortably relaxed and cool wherever possible, and that they will stay that way for as long as needed between visits. Make sure elderly relatives have access to ice if needed, and alternative options for food if it’s so hot that they don’t want even warmer meals. A visit to an ice cream parlour can be a welcome relief, but keep in mind that others might have the same idea, and standing in a long queue for almost an hour might be a lot more physically taxing than you realise, especially if the sun is beating down on someone. Ironically, a lot of advice for protection during winter apply in summer. Instead of eschewing clothing, plenty of layers are key, including lightweight, long-sleeved clothing made from breathable fabrics that provide the two major needs of coverage and comfort. Wide-brimmed hats are perfect for providing shade for the face, neck, and ears, while sunglasses with UV protection shield the eyes from harmful UV rays. Of course, you most likely won’t need this reminder, but it’s worth stressing that applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to exposed skin is Summer is a time to get out and catch some sun, and that’s doubly important for older people. However, a level of strategic planning can help prevent disaster. Strategic Strategic 62 ÁLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 CARING © stock.adobe.com/Budimir Jevtic62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING absolutely essential. The main thing that gets forgotten is that you must reapply regularly, ideally every two hours, for complete protection for as long as you’re out catching the rays. Seeking shade whenever possible and staying hydrated should never be passed on, as heat exhaustion’s no fun for anyone. Encourage older adults to drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolyte-rich beverages, as having plenty to drink helps prevent dehydration and maintains proper body temperature regulation, two more things which can be more difficult for older bodies to manage. Bring along a portable umbrella if you have one, or if you’re stopping for food, setting up or finding a canopy gives a reprieve from the sun’s intensity, allowing the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors safely. The journey of elderly care through changing seasons demands a blend of foresight, adaptability, and genuine care. Emotional support can be especially tough during challenging times when the season’s harshness can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Regular visits, relaxing environments, and companionship emerge as essential elements of caregiving. Encouraging a network of friends and family to share caregiving responsibilities is the key to preventing burnout for primary caregivers, creating a support structure that extends beyond the immediate family. This way it’s better for everyone, and easier to embrace each season with confidence, knowing that you are equipped to provide comprehensive care that goes beyond the physical, enriching the lives of those you cherish. © stock.adobe.com/Bonsales Eve Street | Louth | Lincs | LN11 0JJ T: 01507 604 828 E: leakesmasonry@aol.com www. leakesmasonry.co.uk L EAKE ’ S M ASONRY L TD Memorial Masonry Specialists Since 1840 New granite and marble memorials, additionals and cleaning work undertaken.ORDER FORM Yes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazine for the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1. 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A gift Subscription is the perfect present that lasts all year round!Cars for all types smart #5 BRABUS The smart #5 BRABUS seamlessly integrates striking design with cutting-edge electric drive technology, delivering up to 475 kW of power and a responsive all- wheel drive system. The Launch Mode enables maximum acceleration, propelling the SUV from 0 to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. Built on an 800-volt platform, the smart #5 BRABUS supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 400 kW, allowing the 100-kWh battery to charge from 10% to 80% (State of Charge) in just 18 minutes under optimal conditions. With a range of up to 335 miles (WLTP), it ensures exceptional long-distance capability. In addition, an exclusive BRABUS driving mode delivers simulated engine sounds, further enhancing the driving experience. Inside, the smart #5 BRABUS delivers premium comfort with high-quality microfibre seats featuring DINAMICA® accents. Heated rear and ventilated front seats provide an enhanced experience, while the Alcantara steering wheel with illuminated BRABUS lettering adds to the luxury feel. A panoramic halo roof, microfibre roof lining, sports pedals, BRABUS badges, and Ambient Light+ lighting with 256 colour options further elevate the interior’s refined atmosphere. 66 Á Cars for all types 64 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING We’ve selected a range of vehicles for all types of people this month – from those looking for something rugged, something high tech, something new and something a little more on the supercar end of the scale. We’ve selected a range of vehicles for all types of people this month – from those looking for something rugged, something high tech, something new and something a little more on the supercar end of the scale. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 COUNTY MOTORING smart #5 BRABUS66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING KGM Rexton The versatile and durable Rexton Commercial vehicle - a welcomed, high specification vehicle to the commercial vehicle sector - combines unstoppable all- terrain capability, superb 3.5-tonne towing, and offers professionals a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and premium comfort. The vehicle offers a secure load area with over 2,200-litres of space, has a payload in excess of 700kg and can easily accommodate several standard Euro pallets thanks to its wide-opening tailgate and generous proportions. The load area is accessed from the rear which has a top- hinged power tailgate, whilst side doors boost practicality and give customers the flexibility to access items located towards the front of the vehicle without the need to move bulky objects out of the way. Subaru Solterra The new Subaru Solterra adds significant improvements to overall driving performance, battery efficiency, styling, and cabin comfort. An increase in range, up more than 25% compared to the previous model, is achieved thanks to a newly added battery preconditioning system. When navigating to a charging station or activated by the driver, the Solterra’s battery works to maintain optimal charging temperature, even in cold weather. Additionally, the new Solterra also benefits from a new and improved high- capacity lithium-ion battery pack, which charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to 150 kw, even in sub-zero temperatures. The 2026 Solterra also debuts an all-new Subaru EV lighting signature with redesigned headlamps, a new front bumper design, and newly designed 20- and 18-inch wheels. Around the back, a new rear badge, rear gate garnish, and spoiler bring a distinctive nighttime lighting presence and improve aerodynamic performance. The new Solterra is due to launch in the UK in early 2026. Renault 5 Turbo 3E Built on a custom-designed aluminium platform tailored to its performance and ambitions, Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a vehicle of spectacular dimensions: 4.08m long, 2.03m wide and 1.38m tall. Combining supercar- width with city-car length and impressive levels of performance, it can claim to create a new class of vehicles: ‘mini-supercars’. Drawing upon the wide-ranging expertise of Renault Group, Renault 5 Turbo 3E is the brand’s most powerful road car ever, with the highest levels of performance. Developed by Alpine, it will be assembled at the Jean Rédélé Alpine plant in Dieppe. Ampere contributed its expertise in software and electronic architecture, while Mobilize provided services to make EV driving easier: Mobilize Smart Charge, Mobilize Charge Pass, Plug & Charge function and bi-directional charging (V2L and V2G). Subaru Solterra Unit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HX Find An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near Grimsby n Servicing n MOTs n Repairs n Brakes & Tyres n Engine diagnostics n Car Batteries n Exhausts n ECU Remapping n Air Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re Gas VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALIST Tel: 01472 812130 | www.lincsvwa.com LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 COUNTY MOTORING KGM Rexton Renault 5 Turbo 3EAston Martin Vantage Review Engineered for real drivers The latest Aston Martin Vantage showcases a design that verges on erotica. It is enough to get the pulse racing and sets the car apart from other sports machines on British roads. The two seater’s silhouette boasts a more commanding stance. It is now 30mm wider, which doesn’t make it look fat - oh no, this Aston is sculpted in the right places - and the width is all muscle - not lard. The new Vantage’s ‘face’ is refined with cooling intakes beside the grille, drawing attention to the Aston’s cut- from-granite sinewy lines. The addition of an integrated splitter, designed with a broader and lower look, not only heightens the car’s lip-licking appeal but also hikes aerodynamic performance - improving stability at speed. At the rear, the latest Aston Martin Vantage doesn’t disappoint in looks - or the drama department, either. It vaunts a wider bumper incorporating side vents and huge quad exhaust tailpipes, ensuring attention is received from every angle. Furthermore, the Vantage features Aston Martin’s own infotainment unit, first used in the DB12. This bespoke system includes an app, enabling you to interact with the sports car via your phone. The Vantage boasts a highly advanced 4.0-litre twin- turbo V8 engine, the most powerful of the nameplate’s esteemed heritage. Alongside an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the model offers 202mph and accelerates to 60mph in 3.4 seconds. There are several drive modes that allow you to tweak the Vantage’s engine response, steering, suspension, and exhaust sound. They are controlled by a dial and include Sport, Sport+, Track, and Individual modes. There is also a Wet mode, and you can customise your settings within the Individual mode. The Vantage’s handling is spot-on – taking corners like it was on rails. The setup is stiff - but at every point in every journey, the car talks to you – telling you what the wheels are doing on the tarmac. It sounds like Rod Stewart with its rasping yet tuneful vocals – and insane potency is only ever a millisecond away. It is a car that’ll make you good at self-control – because if you lose it, you may lose more than your licence. Fast Facts Aston Martin Vantage: Max speed: 202 mph 0-62 mph: 3.4 secs Fuel economy: 23.3 mpg Engine layout: V8 4.0-litre twin-turbo Max. power (PS): 665 CO2: 274 g/km Price from: £165,000. 68 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORINGLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 COUNTY MOTORINGNext >