What are some tips to keep our senior community hydrated in the summer months?
Summertime in Atlanta, Georgia can be hot hot hot, but it’s also a great time for our residents to get out and enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities in our communities. From exercise classes to barbeques there’s so much to do during the summer months for seniors. One thing to watch out for with older adults. Read more to find out some senior hydration tips to keep older adults hydrated during the summer months.
Industry experts found that 40% of community-dwelling seniors were under-hydrated. Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration because of bodily changes, illnesses, and diminished kidney capacity. In the summer this can be intensified with increased activity levels and rising temperatures. Seniors with dementia are at an even higher risk because they don’t always remember to drink or lose their sense of thirst.
Dehydration in seniors can cause:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- UTIs
What are some senior hydration tips you can use to keep your loved one hydrated and healthy during these hot days?
- Limit excessive outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day. We all know how important it is to get that essential vitamin D, but safely limiting outdoor activities to the morning and evening is a great way to stay active, stay safe, and stay hydrated.
- Drink water during the day and not just when thirsty. If someone is already feeling thirsty then they are already partially dehydrated. Drinking liquids throughout the day is a great way to prevent this from happening. Setting a schedule for drinking water is a great way for keeping older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s, properly hydrated. At Berman Commons Assisted Living and Memory Care residents can always depend on freshwater available near the dining area for a quick drink.
- According to WebMD, you should drink .5 ounces to 1 ounce of water for every pound you weigh. This amount of water should keep your body functioning normally. It helps with metabolism and overall kidney function. Drink more water if in a hot climate or exercising a lot.
- Eat foods with high water content. These foods include watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, lettuce, and many more. Not only will these foods help your body stay hydrated but they taste incredible.
- Flavor your water. There is nothing like a crisp glass of cool H2O but some seniors find water to be bland. Flavor the water with cucumber, berries, or lemon to get those tastebuds craving a cool drink. Emory Healthcare has a few refreshing recipes including oranges, mint, and cucumber to keep you satisfied all summer long.
Hopefully, you discovered some great tips to keep the older adults in your life hydrated. Keep an eye out for older adults that are reluctant to drink and use some of these tips to keep them hydrated during the summer months and all year long.
