Summer Safety Tips for Adults

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I went for our usual Sunday bike ride. It was the routine as always.  He checked the air in the tires; I filled my basket with water bottles, made sure we applied sun block, wore our hats and sunglasses and away we went!  The sun was shining, a nice breeze blowing and we were biking at a steady pace.  Only on that particular Sunday, we biked at noon instead of heading out at 8 AM.  We stopped a couple of times for water breaks, but about six miles into the ride I felt different.  Suddenly, I needed to stop, and within a minute or two, I was lightheaded, very dizzy and my body felt like it was burning up. I remember my husband asking me questions, but I could not answer.  In fact, it became impossible to do anything.  The next thing you know, I was lying on the ground with paramedics around me administering oxygen and ice packs.  Luckily, I was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where I was well cared for.  I was diagnosed with heat exhaustion and dehydration.  How did this happen to me? I immediately thought about my folks and my uncle and how the outcome could have been more severe.  

Getting enough liquid and water to stay hydrated during the summer months is a challenge for anyone, but for older adults, it is even more so.  Unfortunately, dehydrated older adults are at a higher risk of infections and pneumonia. On average, we are expected to drink 6-8 glasses of liquid a day. If we exercise or engage in any activity that makes us sweat, we are expected to drink more. In addition to carrying a medical alert device, it is recommended that if you exercise vigorously, especially during hot summer weather; drink an additional 4 to 16 ounces of water every 20 minutes. Don’t wait until the end of your workout. You must drink before you feel thirsty because you slow down and lose power long before you have any signal you are dehydrated.  Continue replacing fluids after you are finished exercising.   

The crazy thing is that as people age, they may experience a decrease in their thirst sensation. As body water decreases with age, it becomes easier to dehydrate. Certain medications can cause water loss and limited mobility and, sometimes, even fear of incontinence may cause some people to cut down on fluids. Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach, you do not need to rely only on what you drink to meet your needs. What you eat provides about 20 percent of total water intake. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent or more water. For senior safety, it is recommended that some sort of beverage be served with all meals; however, water is still your best bet!  

We must remember that even though proper hydration is important for everyone, it is critical as we get older. Check with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you are concerned about your fluid intake or have health issues. He or she can help you determine the amount of water that's right for you. It is always best to be safe, not sorry. 

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Keeping Your Cool This Summer – The Dangers of Heat-Related Illness  

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