Feeling a little dehydrated?
June and July have been notably two of the hottest months across the United States - especially in Southern California! Surviving this heatwave can be difficult for people of 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 perspiration, making hot summer days even more concerning for older adults.
Water intake 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
We often find ourselves utilizing iOS or Android apps to motivate us in this digital age. The same applies to the senior population as we see an increase in the use of technology. So, when you’re trying to keep 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 various 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; Celery, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Spinach, Cauliflower or Radishes. Filled with nutrients, adding some of these foods will keep you healthy & refreshed. Whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor patio at Clearwater at South Bay 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 a healthy lifestyle.
Living an engaging life is important to our assisted living community in Torrance, California. Clearwater at South Bay values our seniors’ health, wellness and safety.