Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Hydration Tips for Elderly to Stay Cool and Healthy

As temperatures rise in the summer months, staying properly hydrated becomes more critical than ever especially for the elderly. While hydration is important at every age, older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to natural age-related changes in the body. Dehydration in seniors can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of falls, kidney issues, heat stroke, hospitalisation, and in severe cases, even death. Having personally lost a grandparent to heatstroke, this is a deeply important and personal issue.

When it comes to choosing the right water source, not all options are ideal. Tap water may contain impurities and contaminants including bacteria, cysts, and chemical residues that can pose risks for those with compromised immune systems. On the other hand, while bottled water is often seen as a safer alternative, it is neither sustainable nor budget-friendly, particularly for pensioners. Worse still, studies have shown that many bottled water brands contain microplastics, raising additional concerns about long-term health effects.

The Health Benefits of Filtered Alkaline Mineral Water

Filtered alkalised mineral water often has a higher pH level than regular tap, bottled and generic filtered water, which means in addition to containing fewer contaminants and impurities. It also contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are beneficial for overall health and well-being. For elderly individuals, drinking filtered alkaline mineral water can help replenish lost electrolytes while providing additional essential minerals that may be missing from their diet.

In addition to its health benefits, alkaline mineral water is also more hydrating than regular tap water thanks to its increased pH level. Studies have shown that structured alkaline water can increase hydration levels in the body by up to 20%, meaning that elderly individuals who drink this type of filtered water will be better able to stay hydrated in the hot summer months.

Heat Stroke Risk Reduction Strategies

In addition to drinking plenty of alkaline mineral water, there are other strategies seniors can use to reduce their risk of heat stroke during the summer months. These include wearing lightweight clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen; avoiding strenuous activity in extreme temperatures; staying indoors during peak sun hours; and avoiding heavy meals prior to exposure outdoors, instead top up with fruits and salads that have high concentration of water. It's also important for seniors to check in with friends or family regularly when spending time outdoors, in order to ensure they remain safe in hot weather conditions.

Summary:

Staying hydrated is essential for all age groups but especially important for senior citizens as they are more prone to dehydration-related illnesses due to weakened immune systems or medication side effects. Filtered alkaline mineral water is an ideal choice for keeping seniors hydrated as it contains fewer contaminants than regular tap water and provides additional minerals that may be lacking from their diets. Additionally, seniors should take other precautions such as wearing light clothing made from natural fibres, avoiding strenuous activity in extreme temperatures, staying indoors during peak sun hours, avoiding heavy meals prior to exposure outdoors, and checking in with family or friends regularly while spending time outdoors. By following these tips, elderly individuals can reduce their risk of heat stroke while enjoying the summer season safely! Waters Co offer a range of affordable filters specifically designed to provide maximum hydration and adding minerals creating an alkaline mineral water free from harmful contaminants to make drinking water easier to swallow.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3650451/)