Older Person’s Summer Well Being
The summer brings warmer weather, long days at the beach, afternoons with the barbeque, outdoor adventures, and a greater risk of dehydration. With the hotter temperature, it’s crucial for older people to stay hydrated for short-term and long-term health and wellness.
Why are older people more prone to heat stress?
- Older people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
- Older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
- Older people are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.
Older Person’s Summer Well Being.
Water is an essential component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during warmer months due to age-related changes in how water is utilized in the body.
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Dizziness or fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Mouth or nose dryness
- Acute confusion
- Constipation or concentrated urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Avoiding Dehydration
It is critical for elderly people to remain vigilant about hydrating themselves during the summer. You can do this by asking your doctor, carer, or assisted living professional to help identify any medications that you take that may cause fluid loss. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is also essential, unless certain medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, prove otherwise.
Keep plenty of beverages readily available and consume foods that contain water, including fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Drink frequently during the daytime instead of consuming large amounts at once.
There are an increased number of deaths during the summertime in England & Wales, with many elderly people sadly succumbing to the high temperatures. Ensuring adequate intake of fluids is essential to avoiding heat-related conditions including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
Health experts recommend that everyone should drink around six to eight glasses of fluid a day, which can include water or sugar free drinks.
Here are a few tips for staying safe during high temperatures, including:
- Keeping your home cool by closing your blinds and curtains
- Avoiding extreme heat whenever possible
- Staying hydrated with water, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks
- Staying alert by keeping up to date with weather forecasts
- Checking on relatives and neighbours who may be most at risk
- If you need to go outside plan ahead, have plenty of food and water as well as sun protection (sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses)
- Avoiding outings in the middle of the day, 11-3pm is the hottest part of the day.
Many vulnerable people feel lonely and isolated, and we are sometimes unaware of the real threat to life that extreme weather can cause to older people. Staying hydrated in the summer months is vital as the sun can catch us off guard, giving little time to take precautions against the heat.
Here at River Garden Home Care, we are here to offer you an extra helping hand with any assistance you may require for your elderly loved ones. Please contact us on 0208 460 9571,
Or visit our website on https://rivergardenhomecare.co.uk/ for free advice and help with any concerns you may have.