Hydration plays a key role in keeping us in the peak of health. Water flushes out toxins from our body and ensures that all our organs are functioning properly. Unfortunately, the elderly are not really getting enough fluids in their body which can make them feel dizzy, tired, and unable to function at their best.
The good news is that, aside from drinking fluids regularly, there are other steps that can be taken to prevent dehydration for the seniors.
Wear breathable clothing. Wearing tight clothing that is made from synthetic material can make you sweat a lot especially during the warmer seasons. The best way to avoid this is to wear light and breathable clothing so that you won’t excrete too much water.
Drink water constantly. Sipping water every now and then is a good way to keep your body hydrated. You don’t have to wait until you are really thirsty before drinking as this might be an indication that you have lost too much water already.
Stay indoors. When the weather outside is too hot for you, it is much better to stay indoors with your fan or air conditioning unit running. This reduces the amount of sweat that you are producing so you won’t become dehydrated. Combine this with sips of water every now and then and you won’t be at risk of losing much needed liquid in your body.
Skip the liquor. Another tip to stay hydrated is to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or drink in moderation. Liquors can actually speed up the dehydration process which, if you don’t replace with water immediately, you might end up suffering from symptoms of dehydration. If you do plan on drinking, especially when there is a family gathering, make sure that you drink water in between.
Have some fresh fruits. Aside from water, there are other sources of liquid too such as fruits like melon, lemons, and such. You can eat them as snacks or desserts to replenish your store of liquids and potassium as well.
Minimize intake of diuretics. There are studies that say that certain types of alcoholic drinks and even coffee come with health benefits but too much of these two can trigger dehydration. Alcohol and coffee are considered as diuretics which can cause dehydration. By minimizing intake of these beverages especially during the summer, you will be able to prevent loss of liquid in your body so you will remain safe.
Sunscreen is your friend. Another possible hydration tip is to wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors. You need to protect your skin from the damage caused by too much sun exposure. This also helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and moist. Go for higher SPF if you want to increase protection against the sun.
Chia seeds can be added to your diet. To ensure that you stay hydrated for hours, adding chia seeds to your diet should be considered. Chia seeds can absorb the water in your stomach and slowly release it into your body throughout the day. Although this should not be a substitute for water, it can help sustain water in your body while you continue replenishing your lost liquids.
As an elderly, you need to keep in mind that your bodily functions are not the same as before as the cells can deteriorate. On a good note, you can keep your body in working order if you make it a habit to replenish the water in your body. Aside from sipping water and eating fruits that are high in water content, you can also minimize the amount of water lost especially during the summer by following the steps mentioned above.
Source: aspireutah.com
