With August bringing some of the hottest temperatures of the year to Lake and Sumter counties, older adults face a greater risk than simply becoming overheated.

Dehydration can develop quickly and, because the body’s thirst response naturally declines with age, many don’t realize they’re in trouble until symptoms become serious.

According to the National Council on Aging, older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration because they have less total body water, often take medications that increase fluid loss and are more likely to have chronic health conditions.

Lt. Ben Green, a Lake County paramedic and first responder, says dehydration is something he encounters regularly during the summer.

“Sometimes dehydration is the primary problem, but very often it leads to more serious consequences such as weakness, dizziness, falls, confusion, low blood pressure or even fainting,” Ben says.

What makes dehydration especially dangerous, he says, is that many older adults don’t recognize it.

“The call may come in because someone is suddenly weak, confused or unable to get up,” he says. “Then we find they haven’t been eating or drinking normally, they’ve been sick or they’ve been outside in the heat. The high humidity can make the situation even worse.”

Ben also is co-founder of Optimize U Wellness Clinic in The Villages, where he provides IV hydration and vitamin infusions.

For Bobbi Hamilton, now in her 80s, staying hydrated has become part of managing her kidney health.

“Sometimes it just gets away from me, but I know if I don’t stay on top of it, I can get sick,” Bobbi says.

When dehydration becomes more severe, she works with her physician to receive IV hydration and recently decided to try a wellness clinic for a more personalized experience.

“Just going to the doctor gives me anxiety,” she says. “I wanted to try something less stressful in a more relaxed, quiet atmosphere.”

She says the recliner, low lighting and quiet setting helped ease her anxiety.

“I didn’t even know a clinic like this existed until recently,” she says.

Julie Grishaw, RN, Ben’s partner and co-founder of Optimize U, says many older adults underestimate how much fluid they lose during everyday summer activities.

“Any physical activity this time of year is going to increase the risk of dehydration,” Julie says. “Golf, pickleball, going to the gym, swimming or even dancing in one of The Villages town squares all increase fluid loss. If you’re outside in the heat, especially if you’re drinking caffeine, sugary drinks or alcohol, make sure you’re drinking water in between.”

She says it’s also important to remember that hydration isn’t one-size-fits-all.

“For each new patient we see, we need to understand allergies, medications and medical history,” Julie says. “If someone has had heart failure or kidney disease, we need that information to determine the right amount of fluids and the appropriate vitamins. We don’t want to give someone a fluid overload.”

Ben encourages older adults to make hydration part of their daily routine rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

“I tell people to make hydration measurable,” he says. “Drink something when you wake up, with meals and throughout the day. Don’t rely on your memory.”

He adds that while mild dehydration can often be corrected by drinking fluids, severe weakness, fainting, significant confusion or a sudden decline in someone’s ability to function should never be ignored.

“Those patients and their families should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is any concern for urgency,” Ben says.

Photos: Gina Horan