Summer heat can be especially tough on those over 70. Staying properly hydrated isn’t just a recommendation; it becomes a vital part of staying healthy. But let’s face it—plain water can quickly feel boring, while sugary sodas and fruit juices are loaded with added sugar. Fortunately, there’s a refreshing, healthy, and delicious alternative that can help beat the heat this season.
Why hydration becomes challenging after age 70
As we get older, our bodies don’t handle water the same way. One of the biggest hurdles is that the sense of thirst naturally diminishes with age. That means you might start getting dehydrated before you even realize it, especially on hot days.
According to health experts, older adults typically have a lower water reserve in their bodies, and their kidneys don’t work as efficiently to conserve water. This means dehydration can set in quickly and lead to serious problems like extreme fatigue, confusion, or even falls. Because of this, drinking fluids regularly becomes more than just a suggestion; it’s a necessity during the summer heat. Yet, pushing yourself or loved ones to drink plain water can become a tiresome chore—and that’s where a tasty, healthy drink makes all the difference.
Benefits of homemade lemonade as a cooling summer drink
Homemade lemonade is so much more than a simple, refreshing treat. It’s a health boost in a glass. First off, it helps replenish lost water and essential electrolytes. Electrolytes like potassium are minerals you lose when you sweat, and they’re crucial for maintaining your body’s fluid balance and muscle function.
Lemons are packed with potassium and also provide a rich dose of vitamin C. Just one lemon can supply over one-third of the recommended daily intake, which supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron—both important for fighting fatigue during hot weather. Nutrition experts often highlight that vitamin C plays a key role in keeping us strong through summer’s wear and tear.
Lemons also contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which may help slow down cellular aging. The citric acid in lemons promotes good digestion and supports the body’s natural elimination processes without needing to rely on trendy “detox” claims. This makes homemade lemonade a practical drink to enjoy year-round, not just when temperatures soar.
How to easily make your own refreshing lemonade at home
Forget dancing and reading—this is the best social activity to stay active and make friends after 65
One of the best things about homemade lemonade is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to whip up this cooling drink that keeps you hydrated and refreshed all summer long. Here’s a basic recipe to get started:
– Squeeze the juice of one lemon (preferably organic) into a large pitcher.
– Add about one quart of fresh water—still or sparkling, depending on what you like.
– Sweeten lightly with one teaspoon of honey, valued for its natural antibacterial properties, or a few drops of stevia, a calorie-free natural sweetener.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and vary the flavors! Toss in some fresh mint leaves for an icy kick, slices of cucumber for extra freshness, crushed raspberries for color and taste, or a thin slice of ginger for a zesty twist.
Reflecting on my own summer days, I’ve found that mixing up these flavors makes hydration something I actually look forward to. There’s satisfaction in knowing you’re doing your body good while enjoying a burst of nature’s best flavors.
Do you have a favorite summer drink that keeps you cool and energized? Or maybe you want to try this homemade lemonade recipe and see how it works for you? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s inspire each other to stay healthy and hydrated this season!
My Nana said mint and lemon many years ago
YES! My Grandmother planted mint to add to lemonade, iced tea, and ice cream… She also said there’s a reason why cough drops are made with lemon, as it is a healing fruit. Gramma’s ROCK!!!!!
Amen
What if we juice lemon oranges and other fruits together as the thirst quencher thank you
Put Bourbon in that, then add the Mint . . . THAT would probably work !!! 🤓
Refreshing
It’s great.
Make sure to “swish” with water after drinking a glass of lemonade to keep your teeth enamel
Makes perfect sense.
Thank you. My dental hygienist recommendsi limiting lemons for that reason and to help prevent gum recession.
I love lemonade, especially blueberry lemonade and strawberry lemonade but make sure you swish with water then a wet toothbrush. Citrus juice and fruit is very damaging to your tooth enamel.
Thanks 😃
How about using natural lemon comes already squeezed in a container.
Buy lemons squeeze yourself is fine I like easier way
Not as good for you probably has preservatives!
And bottled juice keeps longer. I add cucumber syrup for a refreshing twist.
But is it natural?
I fill a big 48oz. container with water and pour Real Lemon Reconstituted Lemon Juice into the container until I see it reach the bottom. I do this the night before so it’s nice and cool when I go for it the next day. Of course, you can prepare it on the spot with ice water if you have it handy.
I don’t add any sweetening agent cuz I like the bitter taste of lemon. However, since I have an abundance of mint in my garden, I will add a few leaves.
You woke idiots!
This recipe is basically a glass of water with a lemon in it.
Rude 🙄
WOW, Waylon! Not everyone is a ” woke idiot” because they want a recipe.
Yea lemon water. So?? 😆
Define “woke” cretin.
Hahaaaaaaa! Thats telling’ him!
Please don’t call people idiots. That type of speech says more about you than it does about them. And, what does being woke have to do with lemonade recipes. It’s a simple way to break up the monotony of water.
I like that!! Civility, and intelligence. It can be difficult sometimes to deal with people who think they’re exceptional.
Typical of today’s fascists. Had nothing to do with politics, so let’s make it that way.
Of course it’s water with lemon in it. Coffee is water with Coffee in it , beer is water with grain in it. The base of 99% of everything you drink is water. The point of the article is the benefits of adding the lemon.
Only an idiot would say being WOKE has anything to do with it!!
Woke has to do with social injustice not lemonade. People are so clueless as to what words mean. It doesn’t mean politically correct, and it doesn’t mean new age.
Thank you. Lookup woke in the dictionary: “Being aware of discrimination & social injustice.” This simple definition has been misused for political purposes and completely distorted to meet their own agenda.
Duh. That’s what lemonade is.
“This recipe is basically a glass of water with a lemon in it.” …u mean with SOME lemon in it…!
U can’t drink A lemon, can you?
Regards
………lemon drop………(instead of mike drop, get it??!!)🤣😅😎
🙄
It isn’t that commenters are “idiots or WOKE!” SMH… Lemon, water & a sweetener — make lemonade. This is just a recipe for lemonade; and the benefits of drinking it. LOL
Be kind; as we age, simple things need to be reminded. ~Being “woke” has nothing to do with anything about this. One thing I have learned, “nah, will let you find out for yourself ……..”
What does this have to do with being “woke”? They’re simply giving an alternative to plain water which is actually helpful considering the heat waves across several states right now. No need to call people idiots.
Aww why so bitter? I have lupus and problems with my liver. I am 55 and didn’t know the benefits of lemon until a year ago so if this article helps one person that’s great. And no I am not a “woke idiot”. I’m not waisting my time leaving mean messages online. You can just skip the article, you know that right?
Beautiful response. And parenthetically, I like to add fresh basil leaves to my lemonade. 🩵
Waylon, my brother.
That was unnecessary.
Got your point, waylon. tho your post was:
Not helpful
Needlessly offensive (to some)
Self-evident
Embarrassing (hopefully) for you.
Maybe if you think b4 posting?
Nice that you can read…. Idiot.
Do yo have to bring politics into everything?
You are an ignorant sheep.
For sure. Floride for new enamel! (Thats no good for anyone). But since when is lemonade not juice? I have a direct issue with your self contradicting. Its always dehydrating reading articles..however good ginger tip. Sugar is a must in sensible amounts. 1 tablespoon per quart. Its fuel otherwise your drink is dead. Stevia and monkfruit are great fakes. Tea with lemon and sugar are the best
What a crass comment. What do you think lemonade is?
The essential ingredients for making lemonade are lemons, sugar, and water.
A classic lemonade recipe typically includes freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar (or simple syrup), and water, often with ice.
ÐkShad
The hold concept was about, The best summer drink for people over 70 years old. It stated nothing about you jet setters , stop looking to be in different.
It sure is and it’s refreshing … no woke about it ;o)
Here here must have something to do with dementia
Obviously.
Your point?
I use an old recipe that uses a process called maceration. After squeezing the lemons, the rinds are placed in a bowl, sprinkled with sugar about a cup. Then pour one cup boiling water over the rinds and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain the sugar water into the juice and add ice and water to taste. Yes… it’s a lot of work but the flavor is rich… definitely not just lemon water!
Mr Waylon, you really will find any reason to use your newly learned word? On an article about lemon water? I bet you’re fun in Bible study. Chill.
Hey waylon I’m an idiot, so is apple juice, just an apple in a glass of water..
It is time you wake up, pull out your Bible, shut your mouth and read it until you understand, grow up, Learn about love and speaking Nice to everyone. It’s time, or it will be too late for you…….
Exactly!!
Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be!!
What a twot 😆
When were you born? That’s been the way to make lemonade for centuries. Idiot!!
My favorite “lemonade”:
1 gallon water,
1 thinly sliced lemon,
1 thinly sliced big cucumber,
Big piece of ginger peeled and thinly shredded.
First it floats on the top of water; ready to drink when it goes down.
lol. 1 Gallon of water, with 1- “thinly sliced lemon” really is no flavor ratio… hardly what anyone would call “lemonade”. lol. Especially with the other ingredients that are more than a thin lemon-// I agree it sounds good, but will taste weak in a gallon of water— enjoy
Looking up
I’ve gotten used to drinking plain water. Does everything have to be instantly pleasurable?
Just one thing !
I also use plain water filters. This is immensely preferable
I was on a fluid restricted intake and after a while found plain rainwater to be the best tasting thing around. Sometimes I couldn’t stop sculling it. Mind you anything liquid was pretty damn good
Plain water is the best!!
For 8 glasses, or whatever, a day. I’d say yes!
Yes. Inherently bland is awful and only a requirement for monks.
I agree with the enlightening news of lemonade. However as the article goes on , to tell you no matter what flavor you
prefer you are getting the Water you need. My preference has always been Lemonade 🍋 and Lemon Flavoreof your favorite store and ice tea powder d Ice Tea. For those who find it difficult to make, for whatever reason , both are available in 2 Lt. Cartons in the cooler at your favorite store. Ice tea powder iso available in powder easier to keep for long periods of time, in the kitchen pantry.
Hurray for water. 5/10/1933.
Wow, if that’s your secret, I need to start drinking that magic lemonade potion. God Bless You. You sound like you have longevity all figured out.😁
For handicapped Seniors I prefer Ice Tea with Lemon Powder but both
Lemonade and Ice Tea have got me (92) through many Summers, Tea has values of its own. And both are available ready made.
Yes, they call it an Arnold Palmer! I love the taste of tea and lemonade!
Congratulations on 92 years!! 🥰 Best wishes for more to come!! ❤️
The most forgotten refreshing drink of all times. I even forgot about making lemonade. Love it. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you for the lemonade ideal
Lemonade plus watermelon juice. The best thirst quencher and taste bud satisfier
Brandy with a twist if lemonade. And if it’s Christian Brothers Brandy, you can get some religion also.
Amen.
I have used lemon and honey for 6 years now. I credit it to helping me lose weight
I make a gallon of ice tea with both black pecoe and green tea bags twice a week . I add about 1/4th a gallon of all natural lemonade to the gallon for flavor and the electrolytes. It’s yummy and better for us than sodas.
Coconut water !
Great information for a 74 year old who loves to work outside in yard and garden. Will definitely try this recipe.
1 lemon? Seems weak to me. “Organic” is a marketing term.
My Hawaiian Doctor recommended coconut water which has the vitamins and minerals needed to replace sweat and keep hydrated.
I drink a lemon ginger tea every night before retiring and I honestly think it’s helped me stay healthy, I sleep better since I started doing this regulary
It’s true that sometimes ppl don’t realize they’re dehydrated until they get symptoms. Best to drink something every hour during a heat wave. Lemon is good for the body.
I buy ORS they have everything in them
I have been knocking back a nice Gallon of Aloe Vera Juice, made of 99.1 % of Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Pulp. Took me quite the period to be able to finish the entire Gallon, I’m speaking on perhaps half a Year or a full year to be able to finish it, a gallon per day. But believe it or not the more I drank it on the regular, the more my body craved the overall taste. Don’t know the benefits, but I really don’t know neither do I care much, concerning its health ‘benefits’.
Wha’ hahpind ta that Aloe Vera suggest?!!??!!??!!??!
Love all the Paul Newman refrigerated organic 🍋lemonade products in the grocery store refrigerated section. Add some ice cubes,
a slice of fresh lemon then pucker up and try some!
My friend drinks hot lemon water first thing in the morning instead of coffee. She seems to think it aids in digestion. I have tried it a couple of times & I like that as well.
Weight is 35 year old 45 year old, eat more veggies
Dr pepper salty and spicy
What a great idea I love ❤️ lemonade
Thankyou so much for the great idea😀
I just put 2 lemon wedges in a bottle of cold water. Shake it up and drink!
I have acid reflux and I can’t drink lemonade
I drink boost
Woke agreed!!! Dang, just go order a large diet lemonade from Chic-fila!!! Much better!!!
What about adding mineral salts?
What about the electrolyte packets with potassium, salt no sugar??
Any helpful thoughts?
🤭🌞🥰
Is frozen lemonade just as good?
If you buy unsweetened, mix in a pitcher, pour a glass and add some honey. Mix it up and add ice. ☺️
(I’m fast approaching 65)….every morning for the last several years begins w/ a mug of warm water (from my kettle) w/ juice of a half lemon….& a tsp of raw honey….this replaces coffee
(which is very dehydrating).
One lemon to all that water? I buy several lemons and juice them. Then add water, xylitol and ice. That’s MY kind of lemonade.
I like lemonade but I LOVE watermelon juice. It’s hydrating, refreshing, a good source of fiber & vitamins and no added sugar is required.
I drink the juice from watermelons that I buy, but they aren’t available in the winter. Can you buy watermelon juice already bottled at the store? I hope you answer, because I’d love to know and I know it would be delicious!
I prefer limeade. I use a large travel mug (40 oz.) with one packet of RealLime and one packet of stevia sweetener. The taste is subtle but more refreshing than plain water.
While we are on the subject of Lemons 🍋 Some of us Senior Citizens remember when “Real Lemon” Lemon Juice first came out. Does anyone have the recipe for Lemon Cake made with Real Lemon Lemon Juice? And would you be willing to share this recipe with me, please?
This cake was baked in a 13×9 baking pan and while the cake was still warm a lemon glaze was poured over the top.
Please, please share this particular recipe with me.
Thank you ever so much.
Google “lemon cake”. There are tons of recipes to choose from. Or go to Real Lemon website and ask them for the recipe. Or call them. There may be a phone number on a bottle of Real Lemon. Hope you have satisfying results!
1 gallon water
1 lemon
1-2 ounce blended strawberries
(I just wing it on the strawberries so I’m just guessing honestly)
Also ill say that as soon as I get strawberries I cut the top of them off then cut in half and rinse off and put directly into the freezer in a freezer safe bag making them last more then just a couple days.
Mahalo for this timely information. I’m 70, live in Hawaii, where it can get pretty hot especially when humidity is high. Plus I ride a bike. Looking forward to trying this. Aloha
Did any one mention keeping a tray of lemon; and or any, flavored ice cubes. This way there’s cold water in the fridge for those who like it plain and yada yada yada
…
..
.
Best lemonade to make to help keep your body safe in the summer,gal water( ii prefer spring water),foe non diabetics 1 and half cup sugat,4-5 lemons .roll lemons on counter to loosen up juice then use a jucier if you don’t have one you can take a tablespoon and just keep twisting over a bowl until you got all the juice out mix well until sugar resolved, enjoy!!!!
Fresh blueberry and lemonade is my go to
Thanks for keeping me hydrated. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is good for diabetes also. It keeps my sugar down, and it’s an easy way to maintain it.
Yeah..
Water
Lemons
Maybe limes?
Tea
Ginger
Tea
Summer time…
M.M.
I manage a high rise on the beach in Margate, NJ and we put out lemon water in a huge dispenser for all the people going to and from the beach. They all love it and look forward to it. We have been doing this 15years, very refreshing!
Unbelievable..people arguing about a lemon..grow up spoiled brats ! Sheesh !
Did no one mention that at 70 too much liquid is bad for your heart. It’s called congestive heart failure or CHF. It’s very common. Because of this, at 72, I can only handle about 48 – 50 ounces of liquid a day. Be careful of your fluid balance as you age. As the article said, your kidneys don’t work as well as you age. Talk to your doctor about whether you should be drinking liquids as you like or if you need to be more careful.
12 cups water
3 tablespoons chopped ginger root
3 tablespoons cumin seed
12 green tea bags
Boil for ten minutes
Strain into a pitcher abd add 3-4 freshly squeezed lemons 🍋
This not just a great refresher but helps in losing/maintaining weight. I’ve been on a diet and my coach suggested adding apple cider vinegar.
Add “pure” stevia to tastes.
Most stevia had erythol added to it for bulk. Erythol has been shown in studies to contribute to blood clots. Pure stevia is muck sweeter so you dint need as much. Leave pitcher in frig. overnight as as the stevia becomes sweeter.
So waylon, is apple juice, just a apple in a glass of water. Tea is just leaves in a glass of water…
( They are called recipes)
For a great summer drink put your favorite gin in that lemonade. Best summer drink ever.
I add a fresh organic lime for each organic lemon into ice water. With lime there is no need for a sweetener. I have a very easy to use hand held citrus juicer that makes lemon lime aide in an instant.
Lemon is also the best disinfectant for cutting boards. When I owned a restaurant the board of health tested and approved our use of fresh squeezed lemon juice to disinfect our cutting boards each day instead of using bleach.