Health should come first and be a priority for everyone at any time of the year. But during the summer, the elderly, especially, need to redouble their care as they no longer have the same vitality. On hotter days, hydration should be more significant. For the elderly, the amount of water present in the body is only 40%, making it difficult to maintain body temperature and can cause problems such as dehydration.
As summer only ends in March, it is essential to be aware that no health problems interfere with your routine until then. We separate five critical care that the elderly should have in this period. Check out!
Stay Hydrated All The Time
Don’t wait to feel thirsty or hot to have a nice glass of water. Elderly people naturally have less hydrated bodies than young people because the amount of water in the body decreases over time. And even though they are more dehydrated, they feel little thirst.
On warmer days, the elderly need to consume more liquids such as water, juices, or natural teas to keep the body in complete working order. Alcoholic or caffeine-containing beverages are not recommended, as they can increase body dehydration as diuretics.
Spend A Little Time Exposed To The Sun
Older adults have thinner and more sensitive skin, so be careful. When exposed to the sun for a long time, developing some skin injury and even the emergence of diseases such as skin cancer increase. In order not to take risks, it is better to avoid them.
It is recommended that sun exposure (without protection) has a maximum duration of 15 minutes a day and that it is done, preferably, before 10 am or after 4 pm. It’s enough time to produce vitamin D. And remember: use sunscreen daily, especially when you go outside. It is also essential to wear light clothing on the hottest days.
Eat Light Meals
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is recommended for everyone at any stage. In seniority, “eating well” is an ally for maintaining body hydration, especially during the season.
I prefer to eat light foods such as vegetables and fruits, especially those containing a lot of liquid, such as watermelon and melon. These foods will help increase the disposition of the elderly and facilitate digestion during meals, in addition to ensuring an extra dose of fluid in the body.
Exercise, But With Caution
Physical activity is essential for the elderly to remain active. During the summer, exercises don’t have to be left aside, but some additional care is vital to take.
If you are going to walk outdoors, prefer to exercise when the sun is milder, before 10 am or after 4 pm. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you to hydrate yourself during the activity. If possible, opt for aquatic exercises, such as swimming or water aerobics, which are more refreshing and ideal to be done on hotter days and offer less risk of falls and fractures.
Pay Attention To Signs Of Dehydration
Dizziness, headache, reduction in urine, dry lips, malaise, tiredness, mental confusion, or irritability are some indications that the elderly may be dehydrated and need medical help.
Dehydration can progress to exhaustion, falls, stroke, and stroke if not treated in time. Therefore, it is essential to redouble care for the elderly during the hottest days, to avoid serious consequences.
If you look closely, all these precautions are simple to include in the routine of the elderly during the summer but of great value to avoid health problems. Take care and enjoy life in the best way!
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