The summer heat can take a toll on the body, especially for seniors, if they don’t take the time to nourish and hydrate properly. A recent Australian study has suggested that older adults are more prone to dehydration during the hot months because their brain doesn’t coordinate thirst sensory signals with their body.

Drinking plain water is always a good choice for hydration, but why not jazz it up a bit? Seniors can try these fun and taste-tempting ways to crave hydration and feel refreshed all summer long!

Add a Pop of Color to Your H20

Whether it’s a sunshine yellow lemon or a zesty orange, these invigorating fruits can be a great way to add some natural flavor to an otherwise plain glass of water. It’s so easy and any flavorful fruit will do! Just slice it up, drop it in, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a natural refreshing beverage to cool you down and hydrate you up!

Veggie Snacks in a Snap!

Cut up some crisp and naturally delicious vegetables for a hydrating snack that you can literally make in minutes!

• Cucumbers
  Not only are cucumbers good for keeping you hydrated, they are packed with potassium which can assist in lowering blood pressure. You can even add these green goodies to your water for a “slice of heaven” in a cup.
• Celery 
  Celery has a host of benefits besides hydrating. Celery has been known to have properties that can stave off high cholesterol, high blood pressure as well as aid in digestion.
• Bell Peppers 
  These hydrating and immune system boosting vegetables make an excellent snack! Add them raw to salads, sandwiches or dip in some hummus. Raw bell peppers prepared are sure to be a win!

Stay in the Red!

Who doesn’t love the color red, especially when it looks so pretty on a plate! These refreshing snacks are well-known summer staples!

• Watermelon
  A big fruit that’s big in hydration! Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and other nutrients, watermelons will have you feeling sweet!
• Tomatoes
  Whether you say Toe-Mate-O or Toe-Mot-O, you’ll still get hydrated if you eat this antioxidant-rich fruit! Tomatoes are also packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron!
• Strawberries
  Strawberries are 91% water and pack a punch of “good-for-you” qualities! Did you know that just one serving of strawberries (about 8) has more vitamin C than an orange? Add strawberries to your favorite leafy-green, fruit salad or yogurt for an extra special treat!

Smooth Moves

Smoothies are a great way to keep cool and hydrated during the summer. You can virtually make a smoothie with any hydrating fruit! From strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, to pineapples and mangos, there are plenty of healthy and hydrating smoothie recipes that you can find online. So, get out your blender and make a drink that literally tastes like dessert!

The Arbors Assisted Living is a community that encourages and supports good food choices and eating habits for the elderly. We provide a variety of nutritious meals that foster a healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more!