Senior Living: Summer Heat

Summer is here! Long sunny days, pretty dresses and short pants, picnics, baseball games, and family vacations for everyone to enjoy. On the other hand there are soaring temperatures, mosquitoes, and sleepless nights. High temperatures and older adults don’t mix. Chronic illness, certain medications, forgetfulness, and a general disregard for what is good for us can spell disaster in a hurry. Increased fluid intake is the key. You know it, and I know it. Why then, is it so hard to get seniors to drink enough to keep themselves hydrated? I know seniors who can take 12 pills with one sip of water, and boast about it. Trying to get older people to drink can be like pulling teeth. Family members, caregivers, and friends should not have to plead, beg, or badger you to get you to drink a glass of water. Come on people, be responsible. Nobody can force you to take care of yourselves but sometimes you have to do stuff “just because it is good for you.” One of the simplest ways to do this is to down a couple of bottles of water every day. Not thirsty, you say. Drink anyway. If you wait until you feel thirsty you may already be dehydrated. When the hot days arrive: Dress appropriately, this means not wearing sweaters and polyester outfits when it is 90 degrees out there, don’t deny this because I know better. Have cool drinks readily available and record when and how much you are drinking. Eat light meals that have high water content (soups, salads and fruit). Coffee, tea, soda, juices, popsicles and other liquids count as part of your daily intake too. Many young people carry water bottles with them wherever they go. This is a good thing; it is a habit that can be developed at any age. A sip here and a swallow there can make a difference. Monitor yourself for headaches, confusion, weakness, fainting and muscle cramps. These are all signs that you may be too hot. A few precautions can reduce your risk of illness, and ensure that your summer is safe and enjoyable.