Healthy High Five: July-August 2025

Stay Hydrated and Healthy!
By: Deborah Davison, CTRS, Health & Wellness Recreation Specialist

Did you know… Good hydration is the key to feeling energized, staying sharp, and keeping your body functioning at its best! Surprisingly, as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, making it easier to become dehydrated without realizing it. Staying hydrated is essential for seniors – it supports brain function, digestion, joint health, and helps regulate body temperature. It’s as simple as taking a sip!

5 Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Hydration

• Carry a refillable water bottle. Having water within reach throughout the day makes it easier to sip regularly.

• Flavor water naturally. Try adding slices of fruit, cucumber, or mint for an enjoyable drink without the added sugar.

• Eat water-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and lettuce have high water content and can be a delicious option for hydration.
  
  
• Set reminders. Use a timer, phone app, or daily schedule to remind yourself to drink water – especially during meals, medication times, and physical activity.
  
  

•  Monitor Hydration Cues. Pay attention to signs like dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or headaches. These may indicate you need to increase your fluid intake.

Take the First Step Toward Better Hydration

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. Small daily changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure how much water you need, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.

For more hydration tips tailored to older adults, visit the National Council on Aging: https://npar.info/Hydrated

Healthy High Five: May-June 2025

Glimmers – Tiny Joys to Boost Your Mood
By: Deborah Davison, CTRS, Health & Wellness Recreation Specialist

You’ve likely heard of triggers – those cues that spark stress or emotional discomfort. But have you heard of glimmers? These are the small, often unnoticed moments that bring peace, joy, or connection. Coined by therapist Deb Dana, glimmers signal to our nervous system that we’re safe and calm. Think: sunlight shimmering through the trees, the sound of laughter, or the comfort of your morning coffee.

• Glimmers build resilience. The more we notice positive moments, the more our brain learns to seek them out—even in challenging times.
  
  
• Glimmers help regulate the nervous system. Recognizing these peaceful cues activate our parasympathetic nervous system, grounding ourselves when life feels overwhelming.
  
  
• Glimmers improve emotional awareness. They remind us that joy and safety are always present—we simply need to look for them.
  
  
• Glimmers support mindful living. When we slow down and pay attention to small moments, we become more present and aware of the good that’s already around us.
  
  
• Glimmers strengthen relationships. Sharing your glimmers with others can create meaningful connections and even inspire others to notice their own small moments of joy.

Start Noticing Glimmers

Try this simple practice: At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect. What was your glimmer today? Maybe it was the smell of fresh air, the sound of birdsong, or a kind word from a friend. These moments are small, but their impact is mighty.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

To learn more about how to manage your mental health as you age, please visit the National Council on Aging: npar.info/nationalcouncilonaging.

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