May 27, 2025 in Fountain Hills ER, Fountain Hills Medical Center, Health Tips

Stay Fit, Stay Hydrated: Wellness Tips for Seniors

At the Fountain Hills Medical Center, we celebrate that health and wellness can be achieved at any age. And we always appreciate the opportunity to offer tips and guidance to help our senior patients be as healthy as possible.  This week, in the spirit of National Senior Health and Fitness Day on May 28th, we want to highlight the important relationship between fitness and hydration for our senior patients.

With temperatures across the Phoenix Metro area hovering close to 100 degrees, now is an ideal time to make sure you know the facts about the importance of hydration, especially when exercising outdoors. Hot weather can certainly introduce challenges to outdoor recreation, but don’t let that rising thermometer keep you from being active. 

Engaging in regular physical activity has huge benefits as we age, including:

  • Improved metal clarity
  • Better balance
  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved heart health
  • Stronger bones and muscles

Whether your preferred activities include hiking, jogging, stretching, or swimming, here are some hydration facts and tips to keep in mind:

  • Hydrate early and often

    We recommend that you start hydrating about four hours before your physical activity. Then continue drinking liquids during and after the activity.

  • Don’t rely on thirst

    While feeling thirsty is a well-known sign of dehydration, it’s not always reliable for older adults. As we age, our thirst sensation becomes dulled, and we may not feel thirsty when we’re dehydrated. In addition, there are many medications that can increase dehydration. Our medical team in Fountain Hills recommends that our senior patients drink fluids on a schedule rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

  • Know the signs

    Symptoms of mild dehydration in senior citizens can be more subtle, and more serious, than in younger adults. Symptoms of dehydration for seniors in Arizona can include headaches, fatigue, dark-colored or strong-smelling urine, dry mouth or skin, disorientation, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure.

  • Be choosy with your beverages

    For optimal hydration, choose water or sports drinks containing electrolytes over caffeinated beverages. Drinks like coffee, soda, or caffeinated tea can have a dehydrating effect.

While we’re on the topic of senior health and fitness, we want to mention a few additional safety tips seniors should take into consideration when exercising outdoors. For one, make sure you always carry identification and emergency contacts with you, as well as your cell phone. Or better yet, involve a friend or two in your activities for motivation and safety.

And for muscle wellness, you should allow ample time to warm up before exercising and cool down after – seniors are at a higher risk for injury without these precautions. Lastly, consider exercising in shorter bursts of time rather than one long session; this can prevent unnecessary muscle and/or heart strain.

Starting a new exercise routine? Want to make sure an activity is a good fit for you, medically? Do you need some ideas for fitness activities? We are your medical office in Fountain Hills, and we’re here to provide guidance and recommendations. The Fountain Hills Medical Center is also the place to go for any exercise-related injuries or complications for you and your entire family.

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