Tips for Seniors to Stay Hydrated This Summer
As the weather gets warmer and activities increase, so will
the demand for hydration. The summer months are the perfect time to get outside
and enjoy the fresh air. However, this also means that there is more chance for
heat-related illnesses to arise. This means that you need to stay hydrated even
more than usual. It’s not just what you eat but how much you are drinking that
matters in the summer months. That’s why hydration is so important for elders.
Here, nursing home owner Ephraim Zagelbaum shares some tips on how to help
seniors stay hydrated this summer:
Dehydration and Seniors
As we get older, the risk of developing specific diseases
such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure increases. Hydration is
essential for staying healthy and preventing diseases such as these. This is
why it’s so important for seniors to drink enough water.
For many reasons, seniors are prone to dehydration. A major
factor is age-related changes that make older adults less aware that they are
thirsty. Moreover, aging bodies are less able to cope with temperature
fluctuations. The heat and humidity of summer months make these threats even
greater.
Overheating causes the body to sweat. This leads to fluid
loss. Humidity prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body. As a
result, the body needs more fluids. Insufficient fluid replacement can cause
serious health problems and even death, explains Ephraim Zagelbaum.
Tips for staying hydrated this summer
Below, Ephraim Zagelbaum who is the Founder and CEO of Personal Healthcare, offers some suggestions for keeping
a senior loved one hydrated this summer and all year round:
·
With each meal, drink water, milk, or juice.
·
Each time the senior takes a medication or
vitamin, encourage them to drink a full glass of water.
·
Encourage the older adult to take frequent
hydration breaks during the day. Set an alarm on their phone or call them if
they have memory loss to remind them to drink.
·
Make sure they have reusable bottles to fill up
with water each day. That way, they can keep track of how much water they
drink.
·
Add lemon, lime, or berries to water to make it
more appealing. Using colorful, reusable straws may encourage seniors to drink
more water.
·
Staying hydrated isn't limited to drinking
fluids. Many foods contain high amounts of water. Berries, lettuce, tomatoes,
melon, cucumber, celery, bell peppers, and oranges are just a few examples.
Make these foods a part of your senior loved one's diet.
How Much Liquid Do You Need During the Summer?
The amount of liquid that you need during the summer depends
on your age and activity level. Adults of all ages should drink 48–64 ounces of
liquid every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This includes fruit juices, soups, and milk. Although sodas, coffee, and tea
count as fluids, health professionals do not recommend them. This is because of
the caffeine in them. It can have a diuretic effect, resulting in more fluid
loss.
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