By Care Resources
greer@wktv.org
There’s nothing quite like summer in Michigan, but the heat waves that come with it can be dangerous, particularly for older adults and other vulnerable populations.
Registered Dietitian Makenna Diller with Care Resources, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, says older adults are at increased risk for heat-related health problems for several reasons.
Stay hydrated
“The biggest concern for all of us when it comes to really hot days is making sure we are staying hydrated,” Diller said. “It is especially important for older adults, who are more likely to have health concerns or medications that impact their ability to keep cool.
“Additionally, the body’s triggers for thirst diminish as part of the natural aging process. That combined with memory issues or other cognitive changes may make it more difficult to remember to drink water.”
Diller says the trigger for thirst is the last step in terms of our bodies telling us we need water, so don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Having a plan in place to ensure ongoing fluid intake is key. Regular reminders from caregivers and loved ones can help.
Add flavors
Diller also encourages finding ways to make drinking water more enjoyable by adding flavors, such as cucumber or lemon.
“It is important to keep getting fluids, and that doesn’t always have to mean just water,” Diller says. “Fluids can come from anywhere. There are a lot of foods we can incorporate that support hydration. Think of any fruit or vegetable that’s juicy or watery when you bite into it.”
Add fruits and vegetables for fluid intake
Diller says melons, lettuce, celery, grapes, berries, oranges and pineapples are all great options that can count toward your daily fluid intake.
“Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can be a win-win for getting that fluid component, but also great vitamins and minerals,” she adds.
How meals are prepared on hot days also is important. Diller recommends avoiding the use of ovens and stoves, which can really heat up a home.
“Find meal prep ideas online that use alternative kitchen equipment and personalize them to your own tastes,” Diller says. “That may look like a microwave, air fryer or pressure cooker, anything that can put off less heat, but still result in a substantial meal. Searching for ‘air fryer recipes’ or ‘summer pressure cooker ideas’ is a great way to get the creativity going.
“Consider buying foods that are already pre-cooked in the store, such as rotisserie chicken and canned veggies or beans. Salads and cold sandwiches also are great options that have the added benefit of being easy to prepare and personalize with different ingredients.”
Whenever considering dietary modifications, Diller recommends getting specialized guidance. She says dietary health plans should be customized to individuals’ specific health needs, lifestyle, age and tastes as well as cultural background and financial situation.
“With a dietitian, you can get the most up-to-date research and medical nutrition therapy recommendations that are relevant for your specific situation,” Diller says. “If you aren’t enrolled in a program like Care Resources, your primary care provider may be able to make a referral.”
Nutrition counseling is one of many services for adults 55 years and older provided by Care Resources. For more information, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org.
