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Senior Health Tips

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

The obesity rate in the United States has reached epidemic proportions across age groups, including senior citizens. That’s concerning for many reasons, not the least of which are the health risks associated with excess weight. If you’re struggling on the scale, use these helpful tips on safe and healthy weight loss for seniors.

Eat Right

The secret to losing weight isn’t in grunting and sweating at the dumbbell rack, but in savoring a delicious meal – that is, the right delicious meal. Fill your plate with lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains, and try to eat slowly so you know when you’re getting full and you won’t overindulge. Also remember that it’s as much about what you don’t eat as what you do – for example, cutting out two 16-ounce sodas a day saves you around 300 calories.

  • Seniors can add more vitamins and minerals into their diets by making careful choices focused on nutrient-rich
  • Nutritious meals can be easily prepared; check out the recipes here.
  • There’s a healthy way to go about gaining weight, too.

Exercise

Despite those caveats about exercise, keep in mind that working out is crucial to losing weight. Sticking to a fitness regimen may feel overwhelming, but in addition to losing weight, some upsides of regular physical activity include lower stress, a boost in energy, and even a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

Invest in a Home Gym

If you find you’re not working out because you don’t have the willpower to go to the gym, consider creating an exercise area in your home. One of the perks of a home gym is that it can go anywhere. Although you could invest in fancy equipment, a few dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat are pretty much all you need to create a fully-operational, senior-friendly workout space.

  • Inexpensive workout equipment can be found fairly easily.
  • Invite a friend to join you for exercise. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated and provide support and encouragement.

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

People who are overworked, sleep-deprived, or chronically stressed tend to pack on the pounds. When stressed, your body releases hormones to steel itself for injury, which often means padding on fat as part of its survival mode. With that in mind, be sure to take care of your mental wellness in your golden years. Your mind and body will benefit from it.

  • Mental health can dramatically affect physical health, so it’s important to take care of both.
  • Diet and exercise affect mental health, too. So be proactive in selecting healthy foods and sticking with your workouts.
  • Getting adequate sleep is important for your mental health and critical for weight loss.
  • Know the signs of depression, and if you see them, seek help.
  • When you visit a mental health professional, they may recommend medication. Anxiety and depression medication prescribed online can alleviate your symptoms.

Losing weight is rarely an easy journey when you’re a senior. The good news is that by making some relatively minor changes to your diet, exercise routine, and mental healthcare plan, you’ll be on your way to a healthier weight and a happier life.

The skilled and compassionate caregivers at Aspen Senior Care can provide quality care services for your senior loved one. Call 801-224-5910 to learn more.

About the Author

Annabelle Harris is the creator of Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common questions about aging.

Top Side Gigs for Seniors Looking to Earn an Extra Dime

An elderly man holding money

Looking for ways to earn extra income but don’t know where to start? This question is a common stumbling block for anyone looking to start a side gig. And can be particularly daunting for those looking for a job after having been in a stable career for the better part of their youth. But the brilliant thing about side gigs is that they can be a viable source of income for just about anyone looking for a means to earn extra money. You just have to know where to look. So today, Aspen Senior Care presents our best picks for seniors looking for ways to earn an additional income. 

Teach English

LoveTEFL notes that teaching English to overseas students has become one of the most popular ways to earn an extra income today. If you have an affinity for language, enjoy teaching, and love to meet people from all walks of life, this may be the side gig for you. 

Host Your Own AirBnB

Hosting your own Airbnb is a great way to earn passive income without really having to do anything. AirBnBs are ideal for holidaymakers who want to save on their accommodation expenses by renting out a space that is often more affordable than a fancy hotel. So if you have the space available, why not consider renting it out to earn some extra cash on the side. 

Teach Others

If you have tons of experience in a particular area, why not consider sharing your knowledge with others? Again, this is so easy to do with technology at your side. Because if you don’t manage to find a community learning center nearby, online platforms like YouTube allow you to showcase your knowledge on a global scale. 

How to Find the Right Side Gig

Now that you’ve reached a stage where you’ve decided you’re all in and ready to start that side gig you’ve been dreaming about, this begs the question: where do you start looking? As mentioned before, technology is where almost everything is these days. So looking for your ideal side gig is as simple as doing a quick search online where you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Or better yet, Creative Lives In Progress suggests phoning a friend or using social media to connect with others searching for the same thing. 

What You’ll Need to Consider

You’ll need to consider when starting your side gig if you want to turn your part-time gig into a full-time business eventually. Suppose you’ve always wanted to become a massage therapist or esthetician, for instance, but never had the chance to. If you decide that this is it for you and you want to pursue your dream further, you’ll also need to consider the type of business you want to file, what contracts you’ll need to sign to set up shop in your area, and what tax bracket you’re likely to fall into. 

That said, LLCs are a popular business type that many new entrepreneurs are now choosing for its various benefits, including tax advantages, additional flexibility, the fact that it has limited liability, and so on. But suppose you feel like your plate is already full, and you can’t manage this area of your business yourself. In that case, a formation service can help you by filing your LLC paperwork, for instance, and is often much cheaper than other more conventional routes. 

If you need to brush up on your business skills, consider taking some business courses. You could even go for an advanced degree like an MBA to gain knowledge of the latest software and concepts like accounting, leadership, human resources, and entrepreneurship. You can’t go wrong by taking classes online, which gives you the added benefit of going at your own pace and completing coursework anywhere there’s an internet connection. It’s also usually much more affordable than attending a traditional campus.

If Anyone Can Do it, You Can

In conclusion, if starting a side hustle seems like the best idea for anyone else but you, take heart that many people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life have managed to make their side hustles a success. And if they can do it, so can you.

The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Give us a call today for more info! 801-224-5910

Submitted by Aspen Senior Care Contributor Sharon Wagner.

How Seniors Can Navigate Getting Married and Building a New Life Together

An elderly couple taking a photo with a cell phone

Getting married later in life is exciting, but it also means facing unique challenges. Fortunately, seniors come to the table with a wealth of life experience, and they can make the process even easier with a bit of planning. By squaring away a few things early in the relationship, you’ll have a stronger foundation. Plus, it ensures you’re both on the same page.

If you’re a senior who’s about to get married, here are some tips from Aspen Senior Care to help you build a new life together with your new spouse.

Dealing with Your Finances

Investopedia notes that one of the trickiest parts of combining your lives is making financial decisions. Money stress can weigh heavily on a marriage regardless of your age. You may have different money management styles that you’ll want to navigate to simplify managing joint funds and expenses. Additionally, you might be fairly set in your ways, creating some obstacles.

Plus, there could be inheritance concerns to work through. Each partner likely has assets they’ll bring into the marriage, and they may already have plans regarding their distribution when they pass.

Since navigating marital property laws is complex, you may want to work with an estate planner. You could also turn to a financial planner to determine how to manage shared expenses or the best approach for maintaining some financial autonomy after you start your lives together.

Living Arrangements for Newlywed Seniors

According to Harvard University, around 79 percent of adults age 65 and up are homeowners. Once you’re married, you’ll need to decide how to handle your housing options. In some cases, you may feel that moving into one of your existing homes and preparing the other for sale is best. In others, you may decide that a fresh start is the better choice.

Consider what each of your homes offers, particularly if you’re part of the 90 percent of adults age 50 and older who want to age in place. Think about the home features you’d like to have today and in the future. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also want to prepare for an interruption in work, prioritize your home office, and obviously, plan ahead.

It’s also possible that a time will come when one or both of you may need in-home care or will want to move into assisted living or skilled care communities. If that time comes, you’ll want to focus on your needs and budget, ensuring you get the best overall fit. Spend time researching local communities now and taking tours to find your perfect option. That way, you can plan for the transition in advance, making it easier to manage.

Image via Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-facade-house-lawn-259600/

Keeping Your Relationship Vibrant

No matter your age, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep that spark alive. Trying new things together is an excellent option to keep your relationship strong. Whether it’s starting a hobby that you both can enjoy, exploring different cuisines, or traveling to exciting destinations, you’ll have new experiences to enjoy together.

Also consider the benefits of starting a business together, which is a great way to spend more time together, and it creates the perfect opportunity to pad your income. Of course, you’ll want to market your business. First, create business cards that will leave a lasting impression. A professional-looking business card is more visible than email, and offers potential customers and clients something tangible to remember you by. Designing a personalized business card is simple when you use pre-made templates that you can customize by adding images, text, color schemes, and the font of your choice.

Learning a skill or language is another excellent choice, as it keeps your minds active while you navigate unfamiliar territory as a couple. It’s all very beneficial for your relationship, ensuring you remain connected and engaged.

It’s never too late to find love in your life. With the tips above, you’ll be ready to enjoy life with your new spouse.

Contributed by an Aspen Senior Care Contributor.

The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Connect with us to find out more at 801-224-5910.

Is Ageing Causing a Shift in your Teeth?

Elderly woman smiling | Photo by Ravi Patel on Unsplash

Like other parts of your body, even your teeth have undergone wear and tear with a lifetime of chewing, grinding, and biting. That is why they might shift as you lose bone and gum strength, putting you at risk of an overbite, teeth overlapping, gapped teeth, etc. 

So, if you are here because you have recently noticed any changes in your teeth, you are probably not hallucinating. Below are some of the ways in which your teeth shift with age. 

  1. Collapsing teeth – Did you know that your teeth survive in living tissue. It means that their position in your mouth is not static, and the bones and ligaments often move back and forth. If you have gapped teeth and have failed to replace or treat a missing or worn-down tooth, the rest of your teeth might start collapsing and changing your jaw structure.
  2. Overlapping teeth – The structural change in your jawline with age often leads to a significant shift in your midline. This midline defines the ideal positioning of your teeth on either side of it. However, as you grow old, this midline shifts, giving rise to the overlapping of your teeth. 
  3. Excessively gapped teeth – Ageing impacts the muscle strength inside your mouth and increases the risk of periodontal disease. The bacteria responsible for this condition often cause inflammation and, in turn, the spacing apart of the front teeth. Additionally, bad oral habits like tongue-thrusting or nail-biting could also lead to gapped teeth with age. 

Although teeth moving and their effects on your beautiful smile are concerning, the good news is that this unwelcomed gap between your teeth is curable. Here is a list of possible remedies for teeth shifting.  

  1. Metal braces – Braces are traditionally reliable and results-oriented orthodontic treatment. Even though it might take more time for teeth correction due to your age, you will begin to see noticeable changes soon. Braces exert a subtle yet steady pressure on your teeth, slowly shifting them into alignment. The treatment is affordable. 
  2. Ceramic braces – If you are not a fan of metal braces at this age, you could consider opting for an option that matches the color of your teeth to avoid visibility. Ceramic braces function the same as metal braces. The only difference is that they have clear or tooth-colored brackets rather than gray or metallic silver brackets and wires, which could be a little more expensive. 
  3. Lingual braces – This treatment is another ideal alternative to metal braces because lingual braces are placed behind your teeth for a more discreet teeth-moving treatment. Rightly known as hidden braces, this treatment involves attaching an archwire behind your teeth that pulls them back into their correct position. 
  4. Self-ligating braces or Damon braces – Damon braces, although having similar effects as metal braces, exert more passive pressure on your teeth. This means the brackets used in this treatment do not require elastic o-rings to hold the wires in place, unlike metal braces. These features reduce your visits to the dentist for checkups and make these braces easier to clean.  
  5. Clear aligners or Invisalign – Invisalign or clear aligners could be one of the most convenient and hassle-free treatments to correct the shifting of teeth in adults. These are customized according to the shape of your jaw, are removable, transparent, pain-free, and easy to maintain. 
Elderly woman in glasses smiling | Photo by Paréj Richárd on Unsplash

Additionally, if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism, wherein you tend to grind your teeth at night, nightguards can help. With this information, you have some idea about teeth shifting with age and the possible treatments. 

The next best step is to visit your orthodontist. They will assess the severity of your condition and recommend an ideal treatment in your case, ensuring you revive your beautiful smile as soon as possible! 

Emily Taylor | Aspen Senior Care Contributor

Author Bio:

Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – weather is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake, and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!

Avoiding Fraud and Scams for Older Adults

Elderly couple walking down a forest path

Millions of elders and older adults fall victim to various scams and financial fraud each year. From bank account information to social security numbers, thieves can target a variety of different financial and personal information. According to the FBI, the over $3 billion a year being lost to scams targeting older adults is only going to increase due to a growing elderly population. Knowing the common signs and types of scams, how to protect yourself and your family’s assets, and understanding the correct ways to report these attempts can help keep you safe.

Recognizing Common Scams

Oftentimes, a scam or fraud begins with a stranger attempting to impersonate a close relative or loved one. On many occasions, someone will send an email or call over the phone pretending to be a child or grandchild of an older adult, and requesting money or access to bank information. This family connection is used to manipulate people more easily and pressures them to let their guard down more quickly than they might have otherwise.

There are a few scams or fraud attempts that are very commonly used amongst potential thieves:

  • Phishing: Someone calls claiming to be a trusted source, i.e. a family member or from a company, and attempts to ask for personal information such as a credit card or social security number.
  • Government Imposter: Someone pretending to be an IRS or government worker and claims you owe money, and threatens you with legal action or imprisonment if you don’t pay.
  • Lottery/Sweepstakes: Criminals pretend to work for a legitimate organization and claim that you have won a large sum of money that you can claim for a “fee.”

While there are many other ways that untrustworthy people can use in order to attempt to steal your information, knowing some of the most common ways can help you recognize them sooner. In situations where you’re concerned your personal information might be stolen, it’s best to know as soon as possible to take the appropriate action.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s important to be able to defend yourself against these financial scams. Should you fall victim to one of these fraud attempts, it can have a very negative effect on your financial plans. It can negatively impact your credit score to buy a house, ability to get loans and can raise your insurance costs. While some situations might be able to be resolved through changing a password, identity theft or direct access to your bank accounts can have a much greater and lasting impact.

As mentioned, phishing is a very common scam targeting older adults, so it’s important to be able to verify identities before giving any information over the phone or online. In addition, double-check their email address, many times it looks reputable, but it’s a fake address changed by a single letter or digit. Never open any websites or links sent to you by an unknown person.

Try to keep any anti-virus software installed and updated frequently, as this is a great way to block unwanted access to your computer or devices. While many computers have built-in protection, if you choose to use a third-party program for extra safety, it’s worth investing in a high-quality option. A general rule of thumb is if an application is free, you are most likely their product, i.e., they are likely selling your information or user profile.

If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraud or scam, it’s best to report it to your financial institutions, or other necessary parties. Some people are ashamed or embarrassed, but that should never be the case, and not acting will only cause you further stress. Taking swift and decisive action is always the best way to minimize any damage that this might cause, and help protect your assets.

Ways to Report Fraud and Scams

There are several ways to report attempted fraud or scam, and you should try and collect all the information you have when reporting them. The name of the person, company, phone number, anything that might be able to help the proper authorities. The more information you’re able to provide, the greater chance they’re likely to find the perpetrator, and in a timely manner.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects fraud information and has a specific page to allow scam reports. Through filling out the form, you can help prevent yourself and others from falling victim to any further attempts. There are a few other places to report certain aspects of cybercrime, but it’s important to ensure you’re giving accurate information to an official website. For starters, looking for a .gov or a .org are good indicators of a trustworthy site.

In addition, many email providers have the ability to report fraud directly if you received the mail electronically. This can ensure you never receive emails from that address ever again and helps them track the address and prevent future scams.

Due to the financial stability and trusting nature of older adults, they are targeted by scammers at a much higher rate. Having the ability to recognize a fraud attempt, protect yourself from it, and report it to the proper authorities can help you protect yourself and your family’s financial future, not to mention millions of others as well.

Contributed By:

Aspen Senior Care Contributor

 

A Senior’s Guide To Getting Your Overall Health Back On Track

Image by coombesy from Pixabay

Health is important, but as you get older, it may seem harder and harder to manage. However difficult it might sound, it’s not impossible. No matter what age you are, don’t be afraid to take your wellness into your own hands and improve your health, and overall well-being.

If you are struggling to keep up with your overall health, then read on to learn how to get your health back on track! 

Focus On Physical Health

As you age, it is normal to slow down and become more inactive in your day-to-day life. It’s crucial, however, to keep up with your physical health to maintain your overall lifestyle. As you age, your metabolism slows, and your balance and flexibility decrease. Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your mobility. Now, staying on top of your physical health won’t always be a walk in the park, but start by creating a workout plan that fits your goals. Whether that is focusing on implementing more cardio or strength training by joining a senior fitness group, starting slow is still an important first step.

Check-in With Yourself

This year has been challenging for many, and if you are experiencing negative fluctuations in your mood then it can affect your overall well-being. As a senior, it’s essential to find positive ways to navigate your mental health. Start by identifying where you struggle; common mental health problems among seniors include isolation, dementia, and anxiety disorders. Once you are able to pinpoint your issues, then you can take the necessary steps to help improve your mental health. Engaging in hobbies or daily activities you enjoy can help you relax and lower anxiety. Playing brain games has been proven to improve memory function as they serve as a mental exercise. If you still find yourself struggling to improve your mental health, then talk to a loved one or your doctor. It’s never too late to prioritize your mental health, so check in with yourself. 

Image by THAM YUAN YUAN from Pixabay

Experiment With Telehealth

During these uncertain times, you might find it difficult to feel comfortable leaving your house, especially to go to visit your primary care provider. If you’re finding it harder than usual to make the trip, or are uncertain about leaving your house, consider looking into telehealth services. Telehealth services help provide convenient and timely access to a clinic or local doctor. Telehealth is also extremely beneficial as it minimizes your time in a waiting room, and can get you help right from the comfort of your own home. There is a wide variety of sicknesses that telehealth covers, from serious mental illness to blood pressure issues. Don’t let the fear of COVID-19 keep you from sticking to your monthly doctors’ appointments.

Notice The Changes

As you age you will experience changes in your body daily, and although some might just come with age, be aware of what they might mean. For example, erectile dysfunction is extremely common in senior men and can be treated with ED pills. ED can be a symptom of another serious underlying health issue, like type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease. This is why it’s vital you take note of the changes in your body and let your healthcare provider know. Understanding what’s normal when it comes to aging and what’s not will help you better comprehend the reg flags and treat them properly.

If you notice negative changes in your overall health- don’t sit around and wait. Seniors are at a greater risk for chronic health conditions such as the flu and COVID-19. Take action and get your health back on track today.

Blog submitted by:

Aspen Senior Care Contributor

A Great Summer Activity: Aquatic Exercise for Seniors

People Swimming in a Pool

Many seniors have found that working out in the water is an excellent way to improve their overall well-being, from providing various physical benefits to offering social time and a trip out of the house. The unique properties of water provide seniors with the opportunity to get relief from painful physical conditions such as arthritis and circulatory problems while deriving the benefits of low-impact exercise in an environment that minimizes the risk of injury.

Why Water?

Cardiovascular exercise and weight loss are common benefits of any aerobic exercise, but exercising while submerged in water provides some distinct advantages that set aquatic exercise apart from land-based activity. Age-related joint conditions like arthritis can be a painful impediment to a senior’s capability (and enthusiasm) for exercising. But water-based exercise puts significantly less stress on joints, allowing them to enjoy these activities for longer periods of time, and can also provide some relief from these chronic conditions. Swimming can also be relaxing and meditative, which may offer some stress relief, adding to its cardiovascular benefits.

Swimming Pool

The Physical Benefits of Water Exercise

Cardio: It doesn’t matter if a senior is water-jogging or swimming—using the water to get their heart rate up will increase aerobic capacity, burn fat, and decrease their risk for heart disease.

Balance: Reduced muscle tone and vision loss can affect senior coordination and increase their risk of falling. Aquatic exercise is a great way to help improve balance. Doing specific balance exercises in water helps build strength and coordination. Water provides the ideal environment for this type of exercise, safely allowing for a loss of balance since their water-induced buoyancy will prevent them from falling.

Strength: Working with water “barbells” or wrist bands can provide a great form of resistance training which helps build muscle strength and endurance without injury.

Work Out and Get Out

Socializing is an overlooked added benefit of many types of senior group activity, and aquatic exercise is a prime opportunity to get out of the isolation of the home and into a social environment—and in the case of outdoor pools, enjoying some sun (with sun protection, of course).

Studies have shown that the opportunity to socialize is one of the key reasons older adults will maintain a successful exercise program. Group exercise classes provide an ideal opportunity for conversation.

Whether that be an exercise class, individual standing exercises, or swimmers using kickboards to kick side-by-side, there are many opportunities in the pool to socialize.

Getting Started

If you haven’t been swimming in a while, start slowly. Try swimming laps for just five to ten minutes while coordinating your breathing, strokes, and kicking. A pair of well-fitting goggles is a must. A less strenuous option is just walking or running in the water. Water aerobics classes are offered at a variety of levels, and often specifically for seniors. Check out your local senior center, community center, or YMCA for their Summer offerings for seniors.

Article by Caren Parnes for The Senior’s Choice

A Senior’s Guide To Getting Your Overall Health Back On Track

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Caregivers & the Power of Positive Thinking

In-Home Care | Utah | Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

For most of us, aging comes with increased health issues, thoughts of our own mortality and sometimes watching the ones we love—friends and family—pass away. It becomes very easy to fall into depression and depression can lead to a variety of physical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes. That’s where the power of positive thinking comes in. Positive thoughts condition our brain to think positively and our body follows the command of our brain.

For older seniors a caregiver plays an important role in maintaining positive thoughts and healthy aging. Caregivers are trained to watch for warning signs of depression like loss of interest in daily activities and restlessness. With careful observation, caregivers can help to stave off depression by offering companionship and promoting fun, happy, activities like gardening and dancing or offering transportation to social events and church.

Here are some tips to maintain a positive frame of mind—for both caregivers and their charges:

  • Cultivate enthusiasm. Do your best to be happy and not to indulge in negative thoughts. The glass can be half full or half empty—it’s always the same glass. 
  • Keep a sense of humor. Perhaps more than any other strategy, finding something to laugh about is an effective buffer for the difficulties we face in life.
  • Show gratitude. Everyday find something to be grateful for. The shoes on your feet. The food on your plate. The flowers in your garden.
Home Care Utah - Photo by Bekka Mongeau from Pexels
  • Be compassionate. Put yourself in other people’s shoes. Understanding leads to acceptance.
  • Be flexible. Understanding that things are not always going to go the way you would like and being comfortable changing course is a life skill worth practicing.
  • Have faith. Whether it be a belief in a force beyond yourself or the belief in the best possible outcome for a situation, maintaining faith in things beyond your control is crucial to a positive outlook.
  • Dream. Engage in “imagineering.” Set a goal. Aim high.
  • Learn from mistakes. If we approach life as an opportunity to learn and grow, even negative experiences provide a positive take-away.
  • Take joy in helping others. Helping others and touching lives can be a huge source of satisfaction in our lives. Knowing that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life can bring nothing but positive thoughts.
  • Cultivate acceptance. Work to accept adversity and disappointments—they are an inevitable part of our journey. If you can overcome and accept what you cannot change you will emerge the stronger for it.
  • Think “love” first. Develop a loving and forgiving attitude to everyone around you. It will come back to you ten-fold.
 — Written by Caren Parnes for The Senior’s Choice
Aspen Senior Care is a proud member of the Senior’s Choice Network

Hydration Tips For Seniors

Close up photo of water splashing

It’s summertime! This season brings fun outdoor activities and beautiful — but hot — weather. Did you know the senior community is often more prone to the effects of heat and therefore at a greater risk for dehydration? Now is a good time to focus on helping our elderly loved ones stay safe, healthy, and hydrated through the elevated summer heat. 

Causes of dehydration

Dehydration happens when the body does not receive or retain the adequate amount of fluid needed to function properly. If not treated properly, dehydration can cause severe health issues. Common causes include:

  • Intense summer heat
  • Strenuous activity
  • Medications or diuretics 
  • Drinks which contain caffeine or alcohol
  • Illness which cause fever, vomiting, or diarrhea

What should you look for?

Common warning signs of dehydration may include the following: 

  • Thirst
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dry skin and/or poor skin elasticity
  • Not urinating frequently or dark urine

What you can do to help seniors stay hydrated?

  • Always check with a doctor to make sure your loved one is getting the right amount of fluids for their individual health needs.
  • Create a set fluid intake schedule. If necessary, set timers to help remind your loved one to drink fluids throughout the day. Try to decrease fluids that are high in caffeine or sugar. 
  • Offer sufficient fluids at every meal. This can also include fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumbers. 
  • Keep water within easy reach of chairs and beds.
  • Check urine to ensure it is light in color. 
  • Offer a full glass of fluid with medication. 
  • Monitor skin elasticity each day. 
  • Monitor the environment. Close blinds and windows to reduce indoor heat, and make sure the air conditioning is on a set schedule and working well. If outdoors, make sure there is a cool, shady place to sit. 

It is important to recognize the causes and symptoms of dehydration and know ways to help your elderly loved one stay hydrated. And don’t forget to utilize these tips for your own health as well. After all, you both deserve to have a healthy and happy summer! For more caregiving tips and information, visit our blog.