What have you been doing to beat the heat this summer? Wearing the right clothes, relaxing in the shade, and staying in your air-conditioned home during the hottest part of the day are all smart ideas, but remember that coolness isn’t your only concern in the summer — hydration is also essential. No matter what you’re doing to have fun this summer, make these hydration tips for seniors a part of your agenda.
Why Do Seniors Have to Work Harder to Stay Hydrated?
Did you know that nearly half of all seniors are chronically dehydrated? Proper hydration is essential for our bodies to function correctly, especially in the summer months when temperatures are high. Unfortunately, many seniors don’t even realize they’re dehydrated. Because our bodies change as we age, we’re less aware of hunger and thirst cues, which can lead to inadvertent dehydration. Seniors also have more trouble regulating their internal temperature, which can lead to dehydration via sweating.
Dehydration might not sound serious, but it can cause real health problems for seniors if it becomes an ongoing issue. Dehydration affects your immune system, making it harder to heal from infections and injuries. It can also lead to more severe health problems for seniors, like kidney issues and heat stroke. How can you keep yourself healthy and hydrated?
Make It Fun
It can be hard to stay excited about drinking water, so why not make it something to look forward to? You can make delicious infused waters to store in your refrigerator or keep some healthy water-flavoring packets on hand for an easy sweet treat. Some people also enjoy motivational water bottles for extra encouragement throughout the day.
Eat Your Water
If you struggle to get all the fluids you need from drinking water, expand your diet to include water-rich foods. Healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables and even JELL-O can provide additional hydration on your dinner plate. Soups and other liquid foods can also offer an extra liquid boost.
Make Hydration an Easy Choice
One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated is to build multiple opportunities to hydrate into your daily routine. Small changes like having a glass of water with every meal or choosing to carry a water bottle can make a big difference. If you aren’t sure where to start, talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and see what they recommend.
Avoid Dehydrating Liquids
Drinking more liquids can help you stay hydrated, but some liquids have a diuretic effect, meaning they’re more likely to prompt dehydration than provide the help you’re looking for. Limit your alcohol consumption as much as possible, as well as caffeinated liquids like coffee or tea. They’re usually fine when consumed in moderation, but drink water alongside them and do not count them towards your daily fluid intake.
Get the Support You Need
For some seniors, managing a diet that allows for healthy hydration can feel like a significant chore on top of their other needs and responsibilities. An assisted living community can help with regularly served meals planned to meet senior nutritional needs and unique dietary plans created with seniors like you in mind. If dehydration and other diet-related health issues concern you, consider how assisted living might help.
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We hope these hydration tips for seniors help you make the most of the summer months. And if you want to visit a community where senior health always comes first, plan a summer road trip to The Gables on Pelham.
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing-care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or call us at 864-713-1377.