The Importance of Staying Hydrated for Seniors
Adequate hydration is important for everyone, but especially so for seniors. As we age, natural changes in our body make it harder to stay hydrated and also harder to know when we're dehydrated. What's more, dehydration in older adults can come with more serious consequences than for younger people.
Why Helping Seniors Stay Hydrated Is Essential
For most of us, thirst is a good indicator that we need to drink more fluids. However, many older adults experience a reduced sense of thirst (and appetite as they age). They also have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. When considered in combination with the fact that our bodies' water composition naturally decreases by as much as 20% as we age, it's easy to see why dehydration is a common problem among elderly individuals.
The result? Experts believe that a lot of seniors are chronically underhydrated, and it's not uncommon for them to wind up in the hospital if they become too dehydrated. Older adults are at risk for serious health problems if they become too dehydrated, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, urinary tract infections, heart and kidney problems, reduced immune efficacy, and blood clot complications.
How To Get Seniors To Drink More Water
Reduced sense of thirst, medications that mimic the effects of dehydration, and mobility and health problems can make it difficult for older adults to stay hydrated. However, with the right techniques and encouragement, it's possible to help your elderly loved ones take care of their bodies. Here's how:
Know the signs of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Offer alternatives by adding cucumber or a squeeze of citrus to water, mixing it with juice, or offering them something else like milk.
Steer them away from dehydrating beverages, like coffee, caffeinated teas, and alcohol.
Offer them foods with a high water content.
Build hydration into their routine by offering them water each morning, with each meal, and before and after exercising.
Consider buying them a nice water bottle or tumbler that they can keep with them at all times.
PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.