Staying hydrated is vital for seniors in the summer months, and Great Care has some important facts to share as the temperatures rise.

According to Harvard Medical School, older adults often don’t get enough fluids and risk becoming dehydrated, especially during summer when it’s hotter and people perspire more.

“Older people don’t sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger,” says Dr. Julian Seifter, a kidney specialist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “And that could be a problem if they’re on a medication that may cause fluid loss, such as a diuretic.”

Harvard reports the warning signs of dehydration to include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that’s dark in color. To best avoid this, stay hydrated gradually, throughout the day by drinking fluids, or eating water-rich foods, says Dr. Seifter.

“Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles'” he says. “Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation.”

Dr. Seifter says healthy people should get 30 to 50 ounces of water per day (about 1 to 1.5 liters), but not all at once. He recommends drinking water or juices and eating water-rich foods such as salads, fruit, and applesauce.

“The kidneys lose some ability to eliminate water as we age. It’s important to stay hydrated gradually, throughout the day,” he says. “An easy way to stay hydrated gradually is by getting fluids at meals, with medicine, and socially.”

Dr. Seifter suggests checking with your doctor to be sure you’re getting the right amount of water, as he warns that people can take in too much water if they have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems.

“Or if you’re taking medications that make you retain water, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants.”

Water is the best way to rehydrate your body, says WebMD.

“Water is non-caloric, it plumps up your skin, and it hydrates your muscles,” says WebMD Weight Loss Clinic’s Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. “Water is the staff of life, and now it’s everywhere.”

WebMd says as for other sources of hydration, many fruits and other foods contain water.

“Amazingly, meat contains a high percentage of water — as much as 60%,” says Zelman.

Some good alternative sources of water include hamburger and chicken breast.

For more information on staying hydrated, see the American Heart Association’s Staying Hydrated – Staying Healthy article.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.