Regular hydration is one of the most important habits in a healthy lifestyle, particularly as the body ages and loses its ability to retain and regulate fluids effectively. For many seniors, this factor, along with an increased risk of memory problems, makes it more likely that they’ll forget to drink water often enough. Fortunately, caregivers can help their older loved ones stay hydrated by following tips like the ones below.

How to Help a Senior Loved One Stay Hydrated

1. Offer a Variety of Drinks

Help a senior stay hydrated by setting reminders to hydrate and keeping a variety of healthy beverages on hand. In addition to water, offer natural drinks like apple, grape, prune, or vegetable juices. Other good options include skim milk, orange juice, and seltzer water. Keep any beverages refrigerated to a temperature around 43 °F, as this is the temperature at which hydration has the most beneficial effect.

2. Share Water-Rich Foods

Seniors can also enjoy a wide variety of foods high in water content in order to beat the heat. Watermelon, celery, carrots, apples, peaches, cucumbers, and lettuce are just a few great examples. For breakfast, caregivers can offer natural low-fat yogurt, which has a water content of almost 90%. Dinners can include cool or room-temperature soups like gazpacho, minestrone, or cold vegetable broths.

3. Avoid Intense Heat

An important factor in staying hydrated is body core temperature. In short, the less you drink, the warmer you’ll get, which will prompt the body to try to cool down by sweating, thus depleting fluid reserves.

For seniors, the best way to keep core body temperature within acceptable limits is by staying indoors between 10 am and 4 pm, the period during which outdoor temperatures reach their peak during the summer. When spending time outside, seniors should dress in loose, lightweight clothing and wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep cool and avoid sunburn.

If you or a loved one need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits, if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.