Do you realize…almost one half of all seniors are chronically under-hydrated, as reported by a new research study conducted at UCLA? Not just that, but seniors over age 65 represent the highest category of hospital admissions because of dehydration.
Dehydration can very quickly sneak up on older adults, who often have a diminished sensation of thirst, who can experience medication side effects that cause hydration problems, or who incorrectly think that drinking less will prevent incontinence issues.
Chronic dehydration in seniors is extremely dangerous, raising the risk for health concerns such as:
- UTIs
- Kidney stones and/or failure
- Blood clots
- Seizures
- Hypovolemic shock
- And numerous others
Dehydration is generally identified by the following symptoms:
First stages:
- Reduced amount/darker-colored urine
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of weakness, dizziness, and/or tiredness
- Muscle cramps
- Irritation
Advanced stages:
- Confusion and disorientation, such as difficulty with walking
- Low blood pressure levels and diminished, faster pulse and breathing
- Stomach bloating
- Sunken, dry eyes
- Skin that is wrinkled without having any elasticity
- Worsened muscle cramps and contractions, and/or convulsions
Although we frequently pay more attention to hydration once the temperature is high, it is crucial for seniors to consume sufficient fluids all through the year. An easy formula to find out how much, on average, a senior ought to drink every day is to divide the senior’s body weight by three, and have him or her consume that many ounces of water. To illustrate, if an older adult weighs 180 pounds, he or she would require no less than 60 ounces of water daily.
Try these tips to ensure the seniors you love continue to stay healthy and hydrated:
- Plain water is best, but think about other sources of fluids, such as soup, juice, fruits, and vegetables. That said, stay away from sugary and caffeinated beverages.
- Place bottled water or a small pitcher of ice water and a cup next to the older adult to remind him or her to sip on it throughout the day.
- Try different temperatures. It may be that a warmed cup of water is more enjoyable to the senior than an icy one. You may even try heating up juice and other beverages to figure out if they’re more appealing, or offer popsicles.
The knowledgeable in-home caregivers at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care are experienced in creative strategies to help older adults stay hydrated, and in monitoring fluid intake to make sure adequate fluids are consumed every day. Give us a call at (630) 323-4665 or contact us online to find out how our DuPage County caregivers can help improve the health of older adults right in the convenience and familiarity of home.