senior women outside on a walk with water bottles

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors: Know The Signs of Dehydration

Summer is the best time of year to get outdoors – it’s time to enjoy the sun, get some fresh air, and do all the fun outdoor activities you love. While you’re making the most of your summer, it’s important to stay hydrated and cool.

If you don’t drink enough water and take enough breaks from the sun, it’s possible you could become dehydrated. Dehydration in seniors can cause a number of dangerous health conditions that can even cause hospitalization. When you know what dehydration symptoms in seniors look like, you can start hydrating and stay safe in the summer heat.

Common Causes of Dehydration for Older Adults

When you’re outside in the hot sun on a summer day, the heat will make you sweat, and your body will naturally get rid of water. This is why heat exposure is a common cause of dehydration for everyone.

However, being outside in the summer sun isn’t the only way for dehydration to occur. Other illnesses and health conditions can leave seniors susceptible to dehydration.

Some common causes of dehydration in seniors include:

  • Increased urination, sometimes due to medication or medical condition
  • Fever
  • Illness that causes expulsion of bodily fluids
  • Kidney problems or kidney disease

It’s also important to remember that seniors with mobility issues may struggle with getting to a place where they can hydrate.

man staves off Dehydration Symptoms in Elderly by drinking water outside

Signs of Dehydration in Seniors

Several signs can indicate an older adult is dehydrated. Here are some symptoms of dehydration to look out for:

  • Sense of thirst/dry mouth
  • Sweating less frequently
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Unusual trouble with walking and balancing
  • Feeling nauseous

However, dehydration can cause more severe reactions, including:

  • Increased heart rate or breathing
  • Confusion
  • Fainting

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the severe symptoms of dehydration, you or your loved one may need to seek medical attention.

Tips to Prevent Dehydration

Now that you know what can lead to dehydration, here are some tips to stay hydrated and healthy this summer.

Drink the Right Kinds of Fluids

You’ll want to make sure you’re drinking the right amount of fluid. Drinking water or other fluids can help you stay hydrated. However, you’ll want to ensure you’re not drinking diuretics because they remove water from the body.

Staying away from diuretics like coffee, alcohol, soda, and tea can help you make sure you’re retaining water.

a snack of cucumbers is a good way to hydrate during the summer

Eat Foods that Contain Water

Did you know you can use food as a source of hydration? Fruits and vegetables are full of water and a good source of vitamins. There are so many to choose from – watermelons, strawberries, pineapples, zucchini, lettuce, and cucumber are all great foods to help you stay hydrated.

Drink When You’re Thirsty

While drinking the right amount of water can vary from person to person, there is one simple trick that you can follow to help you stay hydrated. If you’re thirsty, it’s time to hydrate.

Keep in mind if you’re feeling thirsty, you could already be dehydrated. Don’t ignore feelings of thirst, and drink plenty of water.

One fun thing you can do is get your own water bottle. Think of it as your new summer accessory. Some even have marks for how much water you’re drinking and/or the time of day to help you regularly get the water you need. When you have your water bottle at your side, you can stay refreshed and confident as you go about your day.

Avoid the Hottest Time of the Day

Plan to stay in a shaded area or indoors when the sun is at its hottest temperature. This can range from late morning to early afternoon. Not only does avoiding the heat of the day help you prevent dehydration, you can also reduce your risk of heat stroke.

Look Forward to a Healthy Future in Milwaukee, WI

Eastcastle Place is a welcoming senior living community ready to support you in every way possible. From excellent health care that offers peace of mind, a beautiful location, and a range of amenities and services, residents of Eastcastle Place enjoy living an active and enriching lifestyle.

Summer is full of opportunities for using the rooftop garden terrace, planting herbs, flowers, and vegetables, and going for a stroll on the campus grounds or along Bradford Beach nearby.

While you’re living the life you’ve always wanted, the highly trained and compassionate staff will make sure you’re getting the care you need. You don’t have to worry about anything.

No matter the season, seniors love to call Eastcastle Place their home. Call us today to learn more about getting on the waitlist.