Are you looking for ways to encourage your senior to drink more water and stay hydrated? In this article we offer four suggestions to keep your senior hydrated. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among elderly people.
Lack of hydration can have some serious consequences and put your loved one at risk. Many older adults don’t drink enough liquids. Keeping your senior hydrated is really important. As you age, your sense of thirst diminishes so you man not realize your body needs to be replenished with water. Even if they are only slightly dehydrated, they may feel tired and have difficulty concentrating. In addition, they may experience memory problems and a slower reaction time. Severe dehydration shows up as shriveled skin, a sunken look in the eyes and may ever cause delirium. Read more specifics of the dangers of dehydration HERE.
The Most Common Signs of Dehydration in Seniors:
- Muscle weakness
- Dry Mouth
- Lethargy
- Headaches or dizziness
- Lack of sweating
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Here are four suggestions to keep your senior hydrated:
- Keep water readily available: Having water nearby may promote more water consumption. Have a water bottle nearby to help your senior monitor their water intake
- Provide additional drinks: Providing a variety of drinks that contain a high percentage of water such as Gatorade or Tea may encourage hydration
- Consume your water: Several fruits, vegetables, and other snacks contain a high percentage of water. Healthy water-dense foods include peaches, watermelon, yogurt, and various soups
- Consider natural flavoring: Adding natural flavorings to water such as True Lemon or Sweetleaf Water Drops may make hydrating more enjoyable.
For more information about how much water seniors should be drinking visit WebMD for tips on avoiding dehydration, signs of dehydration and how much water is enough.
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