In part because of their reduced sense of thirst, many older people find it difficult to get enough fluid in a day.
With a few proactive strategies, preventing dehydration in the elderly is possible. Being aware of the risks is a good first step. So is remembering this simple fact: Elderly people can stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
You may have already experienced some mild dehydration effects. Most of us have. If so, you probably didn’t feel that you were at your best. Perhaps you experienced some of the possible dehydration symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Headache
But many seniors wonder exactly how much water is enough. You may have heard or read that everyone should drink eight cups of water each day. Recently, however, many experts have backed away from the eight-cups-a-day rule.
Consider all of the factors that can influence how much water you need to drink, including any medications you take, your body weight, and your activity level. Discuss all of it with your physician.
In other words, an elderly person should drink an amount of water in a day that is based on the personalized advice of his or her doctor. There’s no universal rule for the amount you should drink.
It’s also important to remember that you can drink beverages other than water to reach your daily fluid requirements. Even though water is a great beverage, other drinks may be more effective because they don’t lead to as much urine production. Milk, orange juice, and commercially prepared electrolyte replacement drinks were better at preventing dehydration.
When choosing an electrolyte replacement drink, be mindful of the sugar content. It also contains less sugar than many other similar options. For instance, a sports drink like Gatorade is good for dehydration, but the sugar level is often high.
Seniors in residential or long-term care facilities can face extra challenges in getting enough fluids. If you’re concerned about a loved one, be sure to talk to the facility’s staff to find out how they encourage and monitor fluid consumption.
Some strategies used in these facilities can include:
- Using beverage carts to offer drinks
- Serving plenty of soft foods with high water content
- Scheduling times for staff to remind residents to drink something
- Hosting “happy hours” with fancy, nonalcoholic drinks
A weekly feature for Lumby, Cherryville, and area seniors. For more information about any of the following please contact Colleen or Jenny at (250) 547-8866 Whitevalley Community Resource Centre Office (250) 547-8866. Funding support provided by Interior Health, the Province of British Columbia (Community Gaming), United Way Southern Interior and United Way Lower Mainland.
