Dear Donna:

My dad is 83 years old and in fairly good health for his age. Every summer, though, he struggles with hydration. It’s caused him to get really sick a few times. I’m trying to come up with some ideas that might help prevent that from happening this year.

The biggest challenges seem to be that my dad isn’t a big fan of water and often forgets to hydrate while he’s busy working in his garden. My mom was always good about reminding him, but she passed away three years ago.

I’d like to find other ways to help with hydration and make water more appealing to him. Do you have any suggestions? We’re willing to try anything!

Sincerely,

Scott in northern Michigan

Promoting Summer Hydration in Older Family Members

Dear Scott:

Boy, do we hear this one often! Unlike the younger generations who don’t travel anywhere without a water bottle, seniors didn’t grow up drinking water regularly. Trying to create a new habit of any kind can be tough, and that’s what it sounds like you and your dad are trying to do.

As you likely know, seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration because the body naturally loses some ability to conserve water with age. Medications, reduced mobility, and a decreased sense of thirst can also make it harder for seniors to drink enough fluids throughout the day. If those loses aren’t replaced throughout the day, the result can be a serious heat-related illness.

Let’s start with convenience. One of the easiest ways to encourage a senior parent to drink more water is to make it convenient and appealing. Keep water bottles or lightweight cups within easy reach in the rooms they use most often. Some bottles even have a hook that can be used to attach it to a belt loop. That might be helpful to your dad when he’s working in his garden.

Another idea is to create a hydration routine. It’s a practice often used in senior living communities. Encourage your dad to drink a small glass of water at regular times throughout the day, such as after waking up, with each meal, after medication dosages, and more. Those activities can become cues for him to drink water.

Also, remember that plain water is not the only option. Many seniors prefer beverages with more flavor, especially if water tastes bland to them. Adding slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint can make water more enjoyable without adding excess sugar. Herbal teas served iced or warm can also contribute to hydration. Low-sodium broths, milk, and electrolyte drinks may help during periods of extreme heat or illness.

Foods with high water content are another excellent way to improve hydration. Summer fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery provide both fluids and important nutrients.

Yogurt, smoothies, and soups can also increase daily fluid intake. Preparing colorful fruit plates or refreshing smoothies may encourage seniors who struggle to drink enough liquids. Maybe you can support your dad’s need for improved hydration by keeping his refrigerator stocked with these items. This article, “10 Hydrating Foods to Beat the Summer Heat,” might be good for you to review.

One last suggestion is to create a very simple tracking sheet your dad can use to track his hydration progress throughout the day. As he gets closer to evening, it will help him figure out how much more water or hydrating foods he needs to consume.

I hope this helps, Scott!

Kind regards,

Donna