The Importance of Hydration in the Elderly

With the warm days of summer now here, a reminder about the importance of staying hydrated is warranted. Staying hydrated is crucial to our overall health, and especially so for older Americans. Water is the best fluid for our bodies – whether we are ill, trying to stay cool or just trying to stay healthy. In the summer months when the temperatures rise, make water your go-to beverage all day long.

As we age, body water content decreases, and the elderly population may experience diminished thirst – so their bodies aren’t sending the proper signals telling them to hydrate. As we age, our kidneys’ ability to function and retain water when we are dehydrated is diminished, so problems are compounded and can cause serious medical concerns.

Seniors are more likely to have medical conditions and taking prescription medications, that may inhibit their ability to regulate body temperature. The heat of summer only exacerbates this. Some seniors may not realize or notice that they are becoming dehydrated until it is too late.

Our bodies need water to survive; even our ability to regulate our body’s temperature is dependent on our intake of fluids, specifically water. We lose water during the day through sweating, using the bathroom and even the simple act of breathing. When the temperature is elevated, we lose those fluids even faster. As the mercury rises, staying hydrated is even more important for the elderly population whose bodies do not adjust to the changes in temperature as quickly.

Here are a few easy tips to help everyone stay hydrated and healthy:

• Keep a bottle or glass of water with you as you move through your day. Having water in easy reach will make it easier to drink more during the day.
• Anytime you take medication, even just an aspirin, take it with a full glass of water.
• Every time you reach for your phone out of boredom or habit, grab your water instead and take several drinks.
• Add fruit or herbs to your water to give it a different flavor. There are endless combinations of recipes you can create to make your beverage interesting.
• Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of water. Foods like celery, pears, watermelon and apples have a high water content.

Check on elderly neighbors or friends during the hot summer months to ensure they are staying hydrated and healthy. Signs of dehydration in the elderly include being thirsty, irritable or confused. Drinking a steady stream of water or other fluids throughout the day will help stave off dehydration. Often the body does not signal the need for fluids until it is already dehydrated. Without enough fluid intake, seniors can become more prone to dizziness and thus falls due to a lack of balance.

If you have questions about senior hydration or are concerned about a senior loved one during the summer months, please consult the wellness team at any Evergreen Senior Living community.