HYDRATION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

HYDRATION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Dehydration occurs when the body’s water output exceeds the water intake. Our bodies need water for a variety of reasons – water helps regulate temperature through sweating, carries nutrients to cells, lubricates and cushions joints and eliminate bodily waste. Try to drink water throughout the day. Other beverages that may also help with hydration include milk, flowered sparkling water, and fruit juices with low sugar. Drink coffee and tea sparingly as they can have diuretic effect

TOP SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION IN SENIORS.

Thirst – most adults are well acquainted with the sensation of thirst, but the elderly often dismiss or simply do not notice these early symptoms which means it’s essential to keep an eye out for other indicators such as:

1. Muscle weakness

2. Lethargy

3. Dry mouth

4. Headaches or dizziness

5. An inability to sweat

6. Low blood pressure

7. Rapid heart rate

8. Fatigue

9. Confusion

In most adults, urine can tell a lot about hydration levels, not only the amount produced but the colour too. Clear urine signifies that a person is well hydrated while darker urine usually signifies dehydration.

Severe dehydration is marked by shrivelled skin, a sunken look in eyes, low blood pressure and delirium.

SEVERE DEHYDRATION IS A SERIOUS RISK FOR THE ELDERLY.

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION.

1.       Encourage them to drink throughout the day – rather than consuming a large amount of fluids all at once, seniors should drink throughout the day. Create a schedule for drinking to stay on track.

2.       Offer food high in water – like soup, yoghurt, jello and fruit and vegetables

3.       Avoid caffeine and alcohol – coffee and alcohol can have a diuretic effect when they are drunk in high quantities.

4.       Find a beverage they enjoy- sometimes people just don’t enjoy the taste of plain water, so find a drink they enjoy like herbal tea, fruit juice and milk to increase water intake

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