{"id":12531,"date":"2021-07-26T15:59:49","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T15:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/orange-county\/?p=12531"},"modified":"2025-08-20T08:29:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T08:29:53","slug":"keeping-seniors-hydrated-and-cool-in-the-summer-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/orange-county\/blog\/keeping-seniors-hydrated-and-cool-in-the-summer-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Seniors Hydrated and Cool in the Summer Months"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many families, the warm summer months in Orange County, CA bring to mind beach trips, cool drinks by the pool, and lazy afternoons in the park. However, as temperatures rise, even seemingly harmless activities can increase the risk for another summer staple: dehydration. Not drinking enough fluids, especially when temperatures are soaring, can pose serious health problems for anyone. Therefore, in July, August, and September, seniors in Orange County are at particular risk for dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Citizens and Dehydration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration, and there are a few reasons for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, muscle mass and kidney functioning change as we age. This makes it more difficult for the body to preserve water and use it effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sense of thirst also diminishes. For many Orange County seniors, this means that they may not realize they are thirsty until their body begins to experience some of the effects of dehydration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A senior who is incontinent of bladder might also choose not to drink fluids. For instance, they’ll say they are not thirsty even when their mouth is parched and their skin is dry. In their mind, the risk of accidents is simply too high, and they don’t want to face embarrassment. This is especially true in a public place or during a family get together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain medications affect a senior’s ability to retain water. Prescription and over-the-counter products like diuretics, antihistamines, laxatives, antipsychotics and corticosteroids sometimes deplete electrolytes and water stores in the body. This increases the risk of dehydration for senior citizens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As a family caregiver<\/a>, it’s important to remain aware of the risk of dehydration and watch for signs that indicate your aging loved one needs water or is experiencing fluid loss. Keep in mind that even a 1-2% water loss<\/a> can impact your loved one’s health. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your loved one to a cooler spot, offer a drink of water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Severe Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n