Everyone’s health should always come first and be a top priority. However, the elderly, particularly, require increased attention throughout the summer since they lose some of their earlier vigors. When it’s hotter outside, it’s important to drink more water since older people have 40% less water in their bodies than younger people, making it difficult to regulate body temperature and leading to issues like dehydration.
Here are five essential healthcare services for the elderly that you should keep in mind this summer:
1 – Stay hydrated all the time
Waiting till you are hot or thirsty is not a good idea. Because the body’s water content declines with age, older adults naturally have less hydrated bodies than younger people. Even though they are more dehydrated, they don’t seem to have much of a thirst.
On hotter days, seniors must drink additional liquids like water, juice, or herbal teas to keep their bodies functioning properly. Beverages with alcohol or caffeine should be avoided since they are diuretics and may cause further bodily dehydration.
2 – Spend a little time exposed to the sun
Be careful with elderly individuals since their skin is more delicate and thin. Long-term exposure to the sun increases the likelihood of skin damage and potentially the onset of illnesses like skin cancer. It is best to avoid in order to prevent taking chances.
It is advised that sun exposure (without protection) be limited to no more than 15 minutes per day and should ideally be done before 10 am or after 4 pm. There is sufficient time for synthesizing vitamin D. Always remember to use sunscreen, especially outside. On the warmest days, it’s also crucial to wear lightweight clothing.
3 – Eat light meals
Everyone, at whatever stage of life, is advised to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Seniors who “eat properly” can better keep their bodies hydrated, especially during the season.
Eat more vegetables and fruits, especially ones that are high in liquid, like watermelon and melon, to stay light. These foods will assist improve the elderly’s demeanour, make mealtime digestion easier, and ensure that the body gets an extra fluid boost.
4 – Exercise, but with caution
The elderly must engage in physical activities to stay active. Exercises may still be done in the summer, but taking extra precautions is vital.
If you’re going to stroll outside, try to do it before 10 am or after 4 pm when the sun isn’t as strong. Keep in mind to pack some water so you can keep hydrated throughout the activities. If at all feasible, choose aquatic workouts like swimming or water aerobics over land-based ones since they are less likely to result in falls and fractures and are more reviving on warm days.
5 – Pay attention to signs of dehydration
Some signs that an aged person may be dehydrated and in need of medical attention include dizziness, headache, decrease in urine output, dry lips, malaise, exhaustion, mental confusion, or irritability.
Dehydration can lead to weariness, falls, stroke, and stroke if it is not addressed in a timely manner. In order to prevent more severe repercussions, it is crucial to increase care for the elderly during the warmest days.
If you look closely, all of these measures are quite easy to include in an older adult’s summer routine and are very beneficial for preventing health issues. Be careful and live it up to the fullest!
