During the hot summer months, one of the simplest yet most overlooked necessities is proper hydration. This is especially true when it comes to senior care. The elderly or those experiencing certain health conditions are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

While it’s no surprise that drinking plenty of fresh water can help keep dehydration at bay, drinking more water also has additional health benefits that may make that boring glass of water seem a little more exciting! For example, did you know that adding an extra glass or two of cool ice water a day can do the following:

Ease Joint Pain and Stiffness

Water lubricates and relaxes joints. If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis or chronic joint discomfort, increasing your water intake can help relieve daily aches and pains, and in turn, improve your quality of life.

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

If you suffer from extreme highs in body temperature or excess sweating during the summer months, drinking more water can help keep you cool by lowering your body temperature. Water works as a regulator to help balance your system and cool you down if you get too hot. Try keeping a glass of ice water with you wherever you go to maintain a comfortable temperature during the hot summer days. We also have several hydration stations located throughout our Grand Oaks community that provides fresh, cool water for our residents 24 hours a day.

Kickstart Your Metabolism

Just like your joints and body temperature, your metabolism also benefits from lots of water. Staying hydrated helps aid digestion which means you’re less likely to feel bloated or uncomfortable after enjoying all that great summertime picnic food! For optimal senior care during the summer months, drink a glass of water 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after each meal.

Fuel Your Brain

Our bodies are made up of more than 50 percent water, and our brains use nearly 90 percent of that! Needless to say, our critical thinking and reasoning skills can suffer greatly when we’re dehydrated. Drinking more water can help keep your mind sharp and can lessen your likelihood of getting headaches. Try drinking a glass of water before participating in any activities that require concentration, like word puzzles, Chess, Scrabble, or Bridge.

Avoid Heat Exhaustion

Hot Florida summers mean heat exhaustion is a genuine concern for everyone. Simply sitting outside in the heat for more than an hour can result in dehydration if you’re perspiring. If you know you’re going to be outside for any length of time, be sure to bring plenty of water with you so you can stay properly hydrated.

When it’s hot outside, it’s important to increase our fluid intake no matter what our age. However, older adults are particularly at risk for dehydration if they’re not getting enough fluids. Make a point to increase your water intake as a part of your senior care plan this summer and enjoy all the benefits of that tall glass of H2O!

For more information about Grand Oaks of Okeechobee, call us today at
863-824-6770.