Back in the day, summer meant turning ourselves into crispy, citrus-scented sacrifices. We sprayed Sun-In on our hair, slathered baby oil on our legs, and stretched out on silver tanning blankets like foil-wrapped burritos. The goal was bronze. The outcome is usually lobster.
These days, I rise before sunrise and spread SPF 100 with the dedication of someone icing a wedding cake. I no longer chase the sun. I respect it from a safe, well-shaded distance. Hats now resemble satellite dishes. My beach bag carries more sun protection than snacks, and that is saying something.
Hydration has become a personal mission. I haul around a water bottle the size of a toddler. Every sip feels like progress. Every bathroom break is a small price to pay for clear skin and fully operational organs.
Exercise happens early. The kind of early where birds look annoyed, and you are disturbing their breakfast. I shuffle through the quiet streets, nodding at other early risers. There is a silent understanding between us: We have earned this wisdom one sunburn at a time.
At the pool, I attempt to swim laps. Mostly, I dodge small children playing with cannonballs and inflatable flamingos with poor aim. It becomes less a workout and more an aquatic obstacle course. Still, I emerge triumphant, if slightly bruised.
The beach, once a place of reckless tanning and sandy snacks, now resembles a military operation. I pitch a UV tent like a seasoned pro, angle a portable fan just right, and position myself beneath three layers of breathable linen. I sip iced coffee and read thrillers while others toast themselves like marshmallows.
This is the essence of Hot Old Lady Summer versus Hot Girl Summer. It has little to do with appearances. It has everything to do with comfort, self-respect, and packing an extra bottle of water just in case. I no longer burn for beauty. I hydrate for longevity.
The best glow does not come from the sun. It comes from knowing exactly who you are and taking care of her. It comes from walking away from the heat into the shade and feeling entirely sure you made the right call.
Then there are the slow mornings. A shot of espresso, the scent of blooming flowers, the soundtrack of birds singing their tiny hearts out. I sit quietly with my journal, scribbling thoughts and feeling something I once chased constantly — contentment.
This summer, I will be well-covered, hydrated, and ready. Sunscreen is thick, the water bottle is complete, and snacks are always within reach.
Stay shady. Stay cool.
Stay thirsty, my friends.
Submitted by Amy Tucker. She is a University Instructor at Thompson Rivers University and proudly calls herself an “accidental athlete.” As a senior swimmer and long-distance open-water enthusiast, she has represented Team Canada on the Age-Group Triathlon Team for the past three years. Amy is passionate about encouraging others to embrace fitness and wellness at any stage of life, proving it’s never too late to chase new challenges.