Tag Archive for: hydration

Tips to Stay Hydrated

July 19, 2024

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, especially as we age. Older adults can benefit from tips to make sure they drink enough water daily. Here are some simple ways to help seniors maintain proper hydration levels:

Importance of Hydration

Proper hydration is important for seniors to maintain good health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to many health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), confusion, and even a trip to the hospital. By following these hydration tips, seniors can feel their best and stay healthy.

Features of Proper Hydration

Increased Energy: Staying hydrated helps boost energy levels and fight being tired.
Better Brain Activity: Proper hydration supports cognitive function and mental clarity.
Improved Digestion: Drinking enough water helps with digestion and stops constipation.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Healthy Skin: Drinking enough water helps keep skin soft and might reduce dryness and wrinkles.
Keeps Your Body Cool: Water helps keep your body cool, especially when it’s hot outside.
Joint Health: Drinking water helps keep your joints smooth and can make them hurt less.

Practical Hydration Tips for Seniors

1. Drink Throughout the Day

Aim to drink small amounts of water consistently throughout the day.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go.
Set reminders or establish a routine for drinking water regularly.

2. Check Your Urine Color

Look at the color of your pee to see if you’re drinking enough water. Light yellow to almost clear means you’re well-hydrated.
Dark yellow pee might mean you’re dehydrated and need to drink more water.

3. Include Hydrating Foods

Eats fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.
Enjoy soups, broths, and hydrating snacks like yogurt or Jell-O.

4. Limit Dehydrating Beverages

Drink less soda and sugary drinks because they can make you thirsty.
Choose water, herbal teas, or watered-down fruit juices instead.

5. Be Mindful of Medications

Some medications may increase the risk of dehydration. Talk to a healthcare provider about changing the amount of fluid you drink.
Monitor any medication side effects that impact hydration levels.

By following these easy and helpful tips, seniors can make sure they drink enough water and enjoy the many benefits it brings. Remember, staying hydrated is important for staying healthy and feeling good at any age.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact

Beat the Heat: Tips for Seniors to Stay Cool During the Summer

July 15, 2024

As temperatures rise during the summer months, staying cool and comfortable becomes important. This is especially important for older people who may be more likely to get sick from the heat. We will be sharing easy tips and plans to help seniors beat the heat and stay safe and healthy all summer long.

Hydration Is Key: Drink Plenty of Water

Proper hydration is a must in hot weather to prevent dehydration and stay healthy. Here are some tips to make sure seniors stay hydrated:

Keep a water bottle close by: Remind yourself to take regular sips of water throughout the day.
Keep track of how much water you’ve had: Try to go for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Include hydrating foods: Foods like fruits, vegetables, and soups can add to your overall hydration.

Dress for Comfort: Choose Light Weight Clothing

Wearing the right clothes can make a big difference in staying cool and comfortable. Think about these clothing tips for seniors:

Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing: Choose light colors that reflect sunlight and loose fabrics that allow air circulation.
Breathable materials: Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen that are breathable and wick away moisture.
Protective accessories: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen can add extra protection from the sun’s rays.

Create a Cool Environment: Beat the Heat Indoors

Creating a cool indoor environment is a must for seniors to escape the summer heat. Here are some ways to keep living spaces comfortable:

Use fans or air conditioning: Make sure the area has good ventilation and airflow indoors.
Close blinds or curtains: Keep direct sunlight out to keep a cooler temperature.
Stay in shaded areas: If you go outside, look for shaded areas to stay out of direct sunlight.

Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Stay Safe in the Sun

While enjoying outdoor activities is important, it’s crucial to do so safely and responsibly. Consider these tips for staying safe in the sun:

Avoid peak sun hours: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Stay in shaded areas: Seek shade whenever possible to reduce sun exposure.
Wear protective gear: Use hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing to protect against UV rays.

Stay Cool with Refreshing Treats: Enjoy Cooling Snacks

Adding hydrating and refreshing snacks into your diet can help beat the heat and keep your energy levels up. Try these cooling treats:

Frozen fruit: Enjoy frozen grapes, berries, or slices of watermelon for a refreshing snack.
Smoothies: Blend together fruits, yogurt, and ice for a delicious and hydrating treat.
Iced teas or infused waters: Stay hydrated with flavorful iced teas or infused waters using fruits and herbs.

By following these simple yet effective tips, seniors can stay cool, comfortable, and healthy during the summer months. Remember to put hydration first, dress appropriately, create a cool indoor environment, plan outdoor activities wisely, and enjoy cooling treats to beat the heat and make the most of the summer season.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

Heat stress in older adults

June 23, 2020

Safety is key for seniors to live more independent lives in their homes and communities. To help seniors stay safe during periods of high heat, here’s an article by the CDC regarding heat and older adults.

People aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems. If you’re an older adult or a caretaker, review this page for information on how you or the person you’re caring for can stay safe during the heat.

Why are older adults more prone to heat stress?

Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
They are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.

Stay cool, stay hydrated

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside.
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

Stay informed

Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

As always, participants of WelbeHealth PACE programs can contact their center to find resources to stay cool during periods of extreme heat. For more on the services our PACE program provides, click here.