Did you know…almost 1/2 of all older adults are chronically under-hydrated, as reported by a recent scientific study conducted at UCLA? Not only that, but older adults over age 65 represent the highest category of hospital admissions due to dehydration.
Dehydration in seniors can quickly come up unexpectedly. Older adults frequently have a minimized sensation of thirst. They may experience medication side effects that cause hydration problems or incorrectly believe that drinking less will prevent incontinence issues.
Dehydration is extremely dangerous, raising the risk for health concerns such as:
UTIs
Kidney stones
Blood clots
Seizures
Hypovolemic shock
And many others
Dehydration is generally identified according to these symptoms:
Early stages:
Decreased amount/darker-colored urine
Dry mouth
Feelings of weakness, dizziness, or tiredness
Muscle cramps
Irritation
Advanced stages:
Confusion and disorientation, including problems with walking
Low blood pressure and diminished, faster pulse and breathing
Stomach bloating
Sunken, dry eyes
Wrinkled skin without having any elasticity
Worsened muscle cramps and contractions or convulsions
Even though we frequently pay more attention to hydration once the temperature is elevated, seniors must consume sufficient fluids all year long.
A straightforward formula to determine just how much, on average, an older adult should drink each day is to divide the older adult’s body weight by three and have them consume that many ounces of water. To illustrate, if a senior loved one weighs 180 pounds, they would require no less than 60 ounces of water each day.
Try these tips so that the older adults you love continue to be healthy and hydrated:
Plain water is ideal, but consider other types of fluids, such as soup, juice, fruits, and vegetables. However, eliminate sugary and caffeinated beverages.
Place bottled water, or a small pitcher of ice water and a cup, next to the senior to prompt them to sip on it throughout the day.
Try various temperatures. In some cases, a warmed cup of water is more soothing than an icy one. You may also try heating the juice and other beverages to determine if they are more appealing or offer popsicles.
The professional in-home caregivers at Modern Health Home Care are adept in creative approaches to help seniors stay hydrated and monitor fluid intake to ensure sufficient fluids are consumed every day.
Please find out how we can help enhance the health of the elderly throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties, right within the convenience and familiarity of home. Call us today at 215.995.2012.
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