As the summer sun heats up, it’s crucial to stay hydrated!

Dehydration can happen to anyone, but seniors are especially at risk. People 65 and older simply have less water in their bodies than younger people.

The body loses water more quickly in hot weather. Recognizing dehydration is the first step to preventing it. Some common signs of dehydration can include:

• Dry mouth and lips that are sticky or chapped
• Less frequent urination
• Dark yellow urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Confusion or unexplained tiredness

These symptoms can be subtle, but they’re important to recognize early.

Why is hydration so crucial?

Water helps every part of our body function properly. It keeps our joints lubricated, helps regulate our body temperature, and aids digestion. Staying hydrated also supports brain function and can help prevent urinary tract infections.

So you see, maintaining hydration is important for overall health and well-being.

Now, let’s talk about how to stay hydrated this summer. First, drink water regularly throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty! Thirst is a late sign of dehydration.

Try to carry a water bottle with you so you always have a drink handy. You can also drink infused waters – they even make water bottles just for this. Adding fruits (and even herbs) to your water makes it tastier, which will make you want to drink more!!

These are some of my favorites for the summer:

• cucumber & mint water is refreshing and helps with digestion and reducing inflammation
• lemon & ginger water boosts immunity and aids in digestion and detoxification
• watermelon & rosemary water helps with hydration, and the antioxidants in watermelon support heart health
• strawberry & basil water provides antioxidants and helps to improve hydration and skin health
• orange & blueberry water offers a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants for overall wellness

These infused waters are not only delicious but also provide various health benefits that contribute to overall our well-being.

Remember to avoid drinks that can dehydrate you. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can cause your body to lose more water. While it’s okay to enjoy these drinks in moderation, it’s important to balance them with plenty of water.

It’s also a good idea to enjoy water-rich foods. Those same fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers that are great for infusing water are also refreshing and hydrating on their own.

Soups and broths are great too, especially if you prefer something warm. These foods not only help with hydration but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Another tip is to drink a glass of water before and after activities. This is especially important if you’re going outside!! If you’re going for a walk or gardening, make sure to hydrate before you start. This helps prepare your body and replaces any fluids you lose through sweat.

The key is to try to make hydration a habit!! Drinking small amounts regularly is better than trying to drink a lot at once.

Having a routine can make it easier to stay on track. Set reminders on your phone or place sticky notes around your home to remind you to drink water.

Lastly, pay attention to your body. If you start to feel any signs of dehydration, take action immediately. Drink water and rest in a cool place.

Keeping hydrated is one of the easiest and most important steps to staying healthy this summer. Always have a water bottle with you, enjoy some refreshing foods, and listen to your body’s needs.