Did you know…almost 50% of all older adults are chronically under-hydrated, as reported by a recent scientific study conducted at UCLA? Not just that, but older adults over age 65 represent the highest category of hospital admissions due to dehydration.
Dehydration can rapidly sneak up on seniors, who often have a lessened sensation of thirst, who may experience medication side effects that cause hydration problems, or who incorrectly think that drinking less will lessen incontinence issues.
Senior dehydration can be very unsafe, raising the risk for health issues such as:
- UTIs
- Kidney stones and/or failure
- Blood clots
- Seizures
- Hypovolemic shock
- And many others
Dehydration can be identified according to the following symptoms:
First stages:
- Decreased amount/darker-colored urine
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of weakness, dizziness, and/or tiredness
- Muscle cramps
- Irritation
Advanced stages:
- Confusion and disorientation, such as problems with walking
- Low blood pressure and weakened, 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
While we frequently pay more attention to hydration once the temperature is elevated, it’s essential for older adults to drink sufficient fluids all year long. A simple formula to ascertain just how much, on average, an older adult ought to drink every day is to divide the older adult’s body weight by three, and have him or her consume that many ounces of water. For example, if an older adult weighs 180 pounds, she or he would require a minimum of 60 ounces of water each day.
Try these tips to ensure the older adults you love stay healthy and hydrated:
- Plain water is the best, but consider other types of fluids, such as soup, juice, fruits, and vegetables. That said, try to avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages.
- Place bottled water, or a small pitcher of ice water and a cup, close to the senior to encourage him or her to sip on it during the day.
- Test different temperatures. Perhaps a warmed cup of water would be more comforting than an icy one. You may even try warming up juice as well as other beverages to determine if they’re more appealing, or offer popsicles.
The experienced in-home caregivers at Generations at Home are adept in imaginative ways to help older adults stay hydrated, and in monitoring fluid intake to make sure adequate fluids are consumed each day. Contact us at 727-940-3414 to understand exactly how we can help enhance the health of older adults throughout St. Petersburg, FL, right in the convenience and familiarity of home.
