Dehydration occurs when your body experiences an abnormal depletion of water or when you lose more fluids than you consume. This can have negative effects on your overall health and wellness since your body is unable to function as usual.
Heat and an increase in sweating during the summer months can impact dehydration immensely, so taking this into account as you gear up for your upcoming summer vacation, whether you will be flying or driving to your destination, is essential.
At Franklin Park® Senior Living, our resort-style communities embody the same feel and atmosphere as any high-end resort; from our beautiful landscapes to our elegant architecture, our environment immerses residents in a senior living experience like no other. Our team is sharing tips to help you avoid dehydration while traveling so that you can make the most out of your trip without sacrificing your health.
Dehydration in Older Adults
Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration than other age groups. Dehydration can happen much quicker than a person would expect and can lead to serious side effects before you have the chance to rehydrate. While mild dehydration is easy to recover from, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention, especially for seniors. If you notice any of these symptoms, you might be experiencing dehydration:
- Fever
- Excessive Sweating
- Unquenchable Thirst
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness
Note that as you age, your kidneys might not work as effectively as in the past, which can lead to fluid imbalances in your body. Additionally, older adults also have a lower water composition. This means that you could become dehydrated quicker than when you were younger.
Some medications also have a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration, so be sure to check any labels or speak with your doctor about the effects of any medications that you’re taking.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. The ultimate secret to keeping yourself hydrated is to drink small amounts frequently, aiming for about 250 mL every hour, especially if you are flying.
It is a good idea to have your own reusable water bottle so you can refill it as needed without having to purchase any water bottles at airports or travel stops. It can be helpful to set an alarm, whether it is on your watch or your smartphone, to use as a reminder to drink water and set a habit in place. Try to implement this into your daily routine at least a week before your travel dates in order to get used to the amount of water that you are consuming.
“Eat” Your Water
This may sound strange, but if you stop for a snack or have the option to order meals on a plane, why not opt for foods with high liquid content? Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help stay hydrated. Here are some suggestions:
- Melons such as watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Celery
Salty snacks might seem tempting, especially if you are offered the typical pretzels or peanuts on a flight, but when you choose snacks with a high salt content, it is harder to keep your thirst quenched. When it comes to drinking cocktails, keep in mind that alcohol is a diuretic, which means that the more you drink, the less hydrated you become. If you are on a flight, steer clear of any alcoholic beverages in order to avoid dehydration while traveling.
If you want to drink something other than water, aim for fruit juices rather than sodas or coffee. Fruit juices can help you replenish your electrolytes and help to keep your thirst quenched.
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If you are gearing up for your summer vacation, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about keeping your body properly hydrated, especially if you are traveling somewhere that is prone to high temperatures. By following these helpful tips, you can enjoy your vacation and avoid dehydration while traveling!
At Franklin Park® Senior Living, we promote an active lifestyle and help residents make the most out of every day through enriching opportunities and activities.
For more helpful resources, visit our website and learn more about resort-style senior living near San Antonio today.