Beat the Heat As You Eat and Drink

There’s nothing quite like the Texas heat. While nachos and chilis might be a staple of your diet in the winter, when it comes to summer, it is important for seniors to be mindful about what they are eating and drinking, so they can be sure to stay hydrated and not get bogged down. During the hotter summer months, the heat and humidity can cause excessive sweating, which can cause the body to lose water faster. Often older adults are more prone to becoming dehydrated, because of a diminished sense of thirst. A study from UCLA school of nursing found that 40 percent of older adults may be chronically dehydrated. The dehydration problem can worsen in the hot summer months, especially for seniors who are taking medications that increase dehydration risk, or that impact sweating. 

With that in mind, here are some ideas to be mindful of your hydrations as you eat and drink your way through the summer.

Gulp It Down

With temperatures regularly in the 90s in the summer months in the Webster area, it is especially important for senior citizens to drink enough water, or liquids that can help keep them hydrated. Make sure to keep a water bottle, and make sure it is filled, all throughout the day, so any time you need a sip or a gulp, you can take one. Having enough ice in the water to make it ice cold often makes water more appealing to drink. To make it even more exciting, add in some fruits or vegetables. One refreshing drink with plenty of hydration is cucumber water. You can simply slice cucumbers, put them in a pitcher or water, and keep it in the refrigerator to grab all day long.

Looking for something a little more fun? Choose some fun flavored seltzer waters to drink this summer. Or, make your own bubble water and add in some fresh fruits, like raspberries or strawberries from the Sumter County Farmers Market. You can also grab some fruits, or even fresh kale, to make a summer smoothie. Some fruits, such as strawberries and peaches, have high water content, which will add some hydration to your diet. Plain yogurt also has a high water content, and is great to include in the smoothie. Instead of yogurt, you can make your smoothie with electrolyte filled drinks including Gatorade or coconut water.

Summer Snacks and Suppers

For seniors you are tired of gulping water, the good news is that you also can get hydration from the food you eat. The body typically gets 20 percent of the water it needs from the foods we eat. You can amp up that number by eating some of your favorite fruits and vegetables, which may not even know have a high water content. For example, that juicy, refreshing watermelon you love so much - it has 92 percent water content. Other favorites include strawberries, oranges, peaches, cantaloupe and more. If you’re up for veggies as a snack, or to incorporate into a summer salad, choose those with higher water content, including bell peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, asparagus, radishes, lettuce, celery, zucchini and tomatoes.

Snacking through summer is great, and often is the choice of many who are just too hot to cook or eat a meal, However, you also can turn some of these summer hydration helpers into meals and desserts. Don’t think you have to limit yourself to salads. Avocado toast is a fun one to make for breakfast, or for breakfast for dinner. You can cook a baked potato in the microwave, and top with fresh broccoli and tomatoes. Get creative. Come up with meals that you like using the foods high in water content. You can use a chicken broth as a base, and add in vegetables and chicken for a fresh, comforting dinner that is hot and both hydrating at the same time.

Summer pudding is a fun dessert. The only time you need the oven for the beautiful creation is for three minutes as you cook the fruit on the stove. Strawberries shortcake topped with homemade whipped cream is a favorite.

Here to Help

If you are looking for someone to help the seniors in your life, our caregivers at Visiting Angels Webster can help. We have trained caregivers who offer a variety of services, including companion care, personal care, fall prevention, respite care and care for seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. We will tailor our care plans to your senior’s needs. Our companions can help with shopping, light meal prep and light housekeeping.

We serve seniors in Southeast Houston and the Bay Area Communities, including El Lago, Webster, Pearland, Friendswood, Kemah, League City, Dickinson, Taylor Lake Village, Deer Park, Pasadena, Seabrook, San Leon, Texas City, Clear Lake Shores and Brookside Village. We can come to your home, find out what needs you have, and develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Call us at 832-632-2273 for more information.

If you are interested in caring for senior clients in the community, visit us online to find out more about a career in home care.