HEALTHY AGING (CONTINUED)
WHY IS STAYING HYDRATED SO IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY FOR OLDER ADULTS?
Water is vital for the whole body and is essential for health. This is especially important during the summer months. We are almost in the middle of the summer season and the temperature is very hot. Summer season means plenty of fun in the sun and many adventures. It also means higher risk for dehydration – especially for older adults. We need water for our bodies to function properly. How much hydration your body needs depends on several factors – weight, age, gender, climate, activity level, and overall health. Not having enough fluid in your body usually leads to de-hydration.
Signs of Dehydration in Older adults
Dehydration is defined as a condition that occurs when the body loses too much water and other fluids that it needs to work normally. Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration than others. It is imperative to be mindful of the symptoms. If not caught early enough, severe dehydration may lead to hospitalization. If you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms, immediately go inside and start to cool down with water, cold compresses or a cool bath:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Fever or chills
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Difficulty walking
- Flushed skin
- Dry mouth or skin
- Inability to sweat
- Low blood pressure
If you or a loved one is feeling dizzy, experiencing an altered mental state such as confusion or irritability, or is not able to keep anything down, seek medical attention or go the nearest hospital
Eat Water-Rich Vegetables and Fruits
Some fruits and vegetables are higher in water content than others, so try to work those into your diet as much as possible during the hot summer months. Water-rich produce includes:
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Pineapples
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Leafy greens
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Celery
- Bell peppers
As always, pay attention to your mental health – ongoing sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, changes in sleep pattern, loss of appetite, excessive crying, irritability and so on. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please contact NYC WELL at 1-888-692-9355.
Spring Creek Senior Partners offers many events and activities to help keep you active, informed and healthy.
Join us for
- Walk-A-Thon – Every Monday Morning
- Technology Hybrid – Monday (in-person), Wednesday and Friday (Virtual)
- Zumba – Every Wednesday
- ARTS & CRAFTS (CROCHET), GARDENING, Games/Puzzles/Sudoku every Thursday (in-person)
- BINGO every Friday (in-person)
- Movie every Friday (in-person)
- Blood Pressure Monitoring – Monday thru Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm
The staff of Spring Creek Senior Partners is here to assist those living in Spring Creek Towers who are 60 years and older. You are always welcome to participate in our many events and activities.
If you need to see one of our case workers or the NORC Nurse, please call for an appointment. Our number is 718-348-7620.
ABOUT SPRING CREEK SENIOR PARTNERS
Spring Creek Senior Partners is a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community/Supportive Service Program (NORC/SSP) and we serve all residents who are 60 years or older. Our services are free and open to all residents of Spring Creek Towers. You can visit Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 160 Schroeders Ave. (G5) or call us 718-348-7620.
