Summer is nearly upon us, and the days will begin to get warmer and longer. Many people in the United States welcome the season, looking forward to getting outside and enjoying outdoor activities and gatherings made possible by agreeable weather and long, sun drenched days, with our country’s senior citizens being no exception. However, a very large percentage of adults aged 65 and older have at least one prescription medication they take on a daily basis, if not multiple medications that need to be taken at specific times throughout the day. And unfortunately for seniors looking to stretch their legs and soak up the sunshine, many common prescription medications can complicate their fun in the sun.
While it is always important to be mindful of the side effects and potential warnings of any medications you might be prescribed and taking, during the summer months it is especially vital to pay extra attention. The same reasons that everyone loves and looks forward to summer, namely the increased sunlight and rising temperatures, can also unfortunately cause dangerous drug interactions and health complications for senior citizens.
According to estimates by research, roughly 40 percent of older Americans take five or more prescription medications. And with every prescription medication past the first, the chance for a harmful interaction or adverse reaction to previously normal conditions increases. Be sure to consult with your pharmacist for any potential interactions, and discuss any concerns with your primary healthcare provider.
During the hot summer months, it becomes much easier to inadvertently become dehydrated. We lose our body’s water through sweating, and naturally when temperatures and activity increases, so too does perspiration. Dehydration is easy to accidentally worsen as well, through tactics like managing fluid intake to decrease bathroom trips or avoid aggravating an overactive bladder, or when cognitive decline or medication that causes brain “fogginess” makes it difficult to recall just when and how much water was last consumed. Couple this with diuretic medications that are prescribed to control conditions like edema, hypertension, or glaucoma, and the effects can be profound and potentially dangerous.
Dehydration can initially present as lightheadedness and slight fatigue. For younger people, the feeling of thirst will just make them drink more fluids, but for older adults the feelings of thirst work differently. Many times, seniors will not realize they are dehydrated until they begin experiencing more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and a rapid heartbeat, caused by the heart struggling to pump a reduced volume of blood.
Fluids, ideally water, are necessary to keep the body functioning. After all, we are composed of 70% water. Everyone, not only seniors, should make sure to increase their fluid intake during the summer months, unless contraindicated by their health care provider, especially when outside and active. While plain water is the best source of hydration, there are plenty of other beverages, and even some foods, that can help you stay hydrated during a hot summer day. For example, a big slice of watermelon will not only be delicious, the high moisture content in the flesh will help you stay hydrated.