Eat light, freshly prepared meals with plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, curd, buttermilk, soups, and adequate water. Watermelon, cucumber, melon, and citrus fruits are good choices. Limit sugary drinks, excessive tea or coffee, fried and spicy foods, packaged juices, and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration or digestive discomfort. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart failure, follow the diet advised by your doctor.

Q: I am 62 years old and feel unusually thirsty during summer. Is this normal?

A: Excessive thirst may indicate dehydration but also think of uncontrolled diabetes. Do not wait until you feel thirsty—drink fluids regularly, especially in hot weather and check your blood sugar.

Q: My father (84 yrs) hardly drinks water because he says he never feels thirsty. What should we do?

A: Older adults often lose their natural thirst signal, making dehydration very common in summer. Encourage small amounts of water, light lassi, or soups throughout the day (upto 4 pm) rather than waiting for thirst.

Q: I am 78 years old and get muscle cramps during hot afternoons. Why does this happen?

A: Summer heat can cause dehydration and loss of salts, leading to muscle cramps. Adequate fluids and a balanced diet usually help. Persistent cramps should be medically evaluated.

Q: My mother (80 yrs) feels confused on very hot days but improves after drinking........

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