Summer is here, which means the temperature is rising in Tennessee. When it’s hot outside, staying hydrated is essential for your health. These hydration tips for seniors can help.
Hydration Tips for Seniors
When summer arrives, it’s a good idea to have a plan to beat the heat. If you want to be successful, hydration is a crucial ingredient. But staying hydrated is essential for more than just staying cool. Learn why seniors need to stay hydrated, and then use these hydration tips for seniors to get the job done.
What Does “Staying Hydrated” Mean for Seniors?
Did you know up to 40 percent of seniors might be chronically underhydrated? That’s according to the American Heart Association, which defines being hydrated as having enough fluids in your body to function correctly. Unfortunately, that can be a challenging thing for seniors to accomplish. Because senior appetites tend to be smaller, seniors consume less fluids than other groups. Seniors are also more likely to take medications that can dehydrate them. As a result, many seniors are consistently dehydrated, even if they don’t know it!
Dehydration may not sound like a severe condition, but it can severely affect a senior’s well-being. Dehydration can lead to cramps, nausea, confusion, irritation, and aches and pains. Hydration is also vital to your body’s ability to regulate temperature, making summer a dangerous time to be dehydrated.
How Can I Stay Hydrated?
Staying hydrated is essential, and there’s a lot more you can do to keep your fluids up than just drinking water. What do experts recommend for seniors who want to stay hydrated?
Eat Foods with a High Water Content
If you have trouble drinking all the fluids you need, let water-rich foods rescue you. Fruits and vegetables are great summer snacks because they contain plenty of water, can be served cold, and have many nutrients that contribute to healthy senior diets. Try to have a serving of them at every meal. You can also try foods with significant liquid components, like soups and smoothies.
Make Hydration a Part of Your Day
What is the easiest way to stay hydrated? Make it as easy as possible for yourself, and let it become a habit. You can do this by carrying a water bottle with you, refilling it regularly, and sipping water throughout the day. Have a glass of water with every meal, and drink a little extra on hot days or days when you’re exerting yourself. You even can liven up your water with fruit slices or fancy infusions for an extra treat.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks and Foods
Once you’ve got your hydration habits in place, the last thing you want to do is undermine them by dehydrating yourself. Avoid or limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate your body. It’s also best to limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or tea. Try to alternate caffeinated drinks with water whenever possible.
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We hope these tips for senior hydration will keep you cool all summer. And if you’re looking for a community where senior health always comes first, we hope you’ll visit us at Hearthside Senior Living!
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities make it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. We would be happy to schedule a tour for you to explore the community, speak with the Community Director, meet some of the residents, and ask any questions you might have. To learn more about our amenities and services, please call 901-266-3329 (Bartlett) or 901-854-6590 (Collierville). We look forward to meeting you!