A few days ago, Moul Mouj Tollfree received a call for a home visit. The family was worried about their 84-year-old father. They told me he had become unusually weak, was sleeping more than usual, eating very little, and seemed slightly confused. There was no fever, no cough, and no obvious illness.When I reached the house, the elderly gentleman was lying quietly in bed. His family feared that something serious had happened. After evaluation, the diagnosis was surprisingly simple: dehydration compounded by the ongoing heat. He had not been drinking enough water for several days. The incident reminded me that summer can be far more dangerous for seniors than many families realize.

Why Summer Is Different for Older AdultsMost healthy adults can tolerate rising temperatures reasonably well. Seniors, however, are different.As we age, our body’s ability to regulate temperature becomes less efficient. The sensation of thirst diminishes. Kidney function may decline. Many seniors also live with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or lung disorders, making them more vulnerable to heat-related complications.

Several commonly prescribed medicines can further increase the risk of dehydration. The result is a perfect storm during hot weather.Dehydration Does Not Always Look Like........

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