Staying Hydrated - Tips for Seniors

Feeling a little dehydrated?

June and July have been notably two of the hottest months across the United States - especially in California! Surviving this heatwave can be difficult for any age, but we should pay special attention to our seniors.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat can impact people over 65 even more so than others due to chronic medical conditions that change normal body responses to heat. In addition, prescription medicines can affect the body's ability to control temperature and sweat making hot summer days even more concerning for older adults.

Water consumption not only prevents dehydration, but it helps with numerous facets of the natural aging process from helping the kidneys function to supporting your muscles. It's key to know the warning signs of dehydration and the daily steps you can take to increase your fluid intake. 

The Signs:

• Headaches
• Dry mouth, dry skin
• Low blood pressure
• Little to no urination
• Irritability, dizziness, lethargy
• Rapid heart rate

The Tips:

• Take small, frequent sips of fluid throughout the day or grab an electrolyte beverage
• Don't wait until you're thirsty, be proactive and carry a water bottle around with you
• Avoid cooking on the stovetop and turn to foods with higher water content
• Turn up the A/C and cool off in the shower periodically
• Minimize your daily exercise and make time for resting
• Wear loose-fitted or lightweight clothing
• Continue to eat your proteins - beans, chicken

Drink more water

In the digital age, we often find ourselves utilizing iOS or Android apps to motivate us. The same applies to the senior population as we see an increase in the use of technology. So, when you're trying to hold yourself or a loved one accountable for drinking enough water…there's an app for that!  Here are the Top 10 Free Water Apps recommended by The Quench.

Drinking water isn't the most exciting part of the day for some, but we encourage you to think outside of the bottle and indulge in a variety of meals with high water content. Roughly 20% of our daily water intake comes from solid foods.

Pass the cucumbers…

Health.com reported the foods with the highest water content are mostly familiar fruits and veggies such as; Cucumber, Celery, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Spinach, Radishes or Cauliflower.  Filled with nutrients, adding some of these foods will keep you healthy & refreshed.

Whether you're relaxing on the outdoor patio at a Clearwater Living community sipping fruit-infused water or ordering a mouth-watering salad from our on-site restaurant, our Savor Dining Program provides a variety of nutrient rich dining options to promote optimal health and wellbeing.

Living an active and engaging life is vital to our independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. Clearwater Living values our seniors' health, wellness and safety. Click here to find the Clearwater community nearest you.