After the brutally-cold Winter, we tend to welcome Summer’s promise of sunny warm weather with open arms. However, come July and August, June’s mild highs of 70- and 60-degree weather can quickly become new 90-and 80-degree highs. These rapidly escalating temperatures can put older populations at an increased risk for dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. This loss of fluid can make it difficult for you to carry out everyday bodily functions leading to increased morbidity and in some cases, mortality. Everyone is able to become dehydrated, however, in older populations the effects of dehydration are particularly more severe due to their decreased capacity to hold water.
Luckily, the symptoms of dehydration are easily detectable. In adults, dehydration is accompanied by extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and sometimes confusion. Also, dehydration can be prevented by increasing your water intake whenever experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, exercising, and during periods of illness and hot or cold weather.
To reduce the risk of dehydration, be sure to drink 8 oz of fluid when taking medication and keep water near you so it can be easily accessible throughout the day. For more information, ask your primary care provider if your current fluid intake is appropriate for you.
