It’s summertime, which means more outdoor time for your aging parents. While this can be exciting, it also means being extra vigilant about hydration. With the heat and increased activity levels, dehydration is a common problem that can lead to serious health issues. Here are some tips to keep your parents hydrated throughout the hot days of summer and upkeep their health and fitness:
Offer Healthy Options Besides Water
Fruit and vegetable juices are good for you. To prepare fruit or vegetable juice, wash the fruits or vegetables and chop them into small pieces. Put them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- combining orange with water or milk (or both) until the mixture is smooth
- strain out any pulp that remains from your blending process using a piece of cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer before storing your freshly made juice in the refrigerator
Make Sure They Have Water at Hand
You want to ensure that your parent has easy access to water throughout the day. If you have an elderly parent who struggles with mobility, ensure that the container you choose is lightweight and portable enough for them to carry around without difficulty. If possible, look for containers made from insulated material so they will stay colder longer than average bottles—this increases the chance that your elderly loved one will drink more ice-cold refreshments throughout their day!
Watch their Medication Intake
Medications that can cause dehydration include those that increase urination, such as diuretics and water pills. Some examples include:
- Laxatives
- Potassium
- Apremilast
Be Aware of their Breathing Patterns
When someone is dehydrated, it can affect their breathing and make them more likely to cough. This will become especially apparent when they’re at rest—try sitting with your parent while they sleep and listening for any changes in their breath. If you notice something irregular or unusual, make sure you address it with a doctor right away!
Another thing to remember is that dehydration can cause poor sleep quality and difficulty sleeping altogether (e.g., insomnia). If you notice that your aging parent isn’t getting enough restful sleep, it could be because they aren’t drinking enough water during the day or eating foods that help promote healthy digestion (such as leafy greens). Be sure to consider all potential causes before attributing any changes solely to dehydration; otherwise, this might lead you down the wrong path when trying to find solutions!
It is Essential to Be Aware of Your Aging Parents’ Hydration Needs
This summer, ensuring your aging parents stay hydrated is essential as it boosts your immune system. In addition to drinking water, you should also ensure that they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage them to drink fruit or vegetable juice instead of sugary drinks like soda or coffee when possible. If they take medication regularly, be sure they aren’t overdoing it because this could lead to dehydration over time! Lastly, pay attention when talking with others about their breathing patterns so that if something feels different from usual at any point, then take action immediately before it gets worse off than expected.
