Make Staying Hydrated Your New Year's Resolution: Tips and Tricks for Seniors

If staying hydrated is not on your list of New Year's resolutions, perhaps it should be. Hydration is important for everyone, but it becomes more important as we age. Seniors often don't feel thirsty like they did when they were younger. This is particularly true in the winter when their bodies may not sweat as much, triggering their thirst sensation. Hydration is important because of the many health risks associated with simply being dehydrated, ranging from constipation to a higher risk of coronary disease.

Some seniors may find that with the loss of muscle mass and kidney function as they age, they may be less likely to want to drink more fluids. Some medications such as diuretics or antihistamines can cause seniors to urinate more frequently, which in turn increases the need for more hydration. Seniors diagnosed with dementia may forget to drink fluids, and seniors who are incontinent may purposely avoid drinking fluids to avoid accidents.

Signs of Dehydration

Knowing if you are dehydrated may not be as easy as you think. Some signs are so subtle that you may not realize they are caused by a lack of hydration. Pay special attention to headaches, cramping, sleepiness, irritability, or just feeling not yourself. Dark urine in small amounts and a dry mouth are other signs to pay special attention to.

Serious signs of dehydration include low blood pressure or a rapid but weak pulse. Your physical appearance may change, and you may notice your eyes being dry or sunken. Other symptoms may include bloat, lack of skin elasticity, or even convulsions. Staying hydrated is important for overall good health.

Tips for Seniors to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated may be difficult for seniors, especially if they have certain health issues or medications that can affect their fluid intake. Careful observation of their symptoms and habits is key to helping your senior loved one get the hydration they need to maintain their health.  

• The single most important thing anyone can do to increase their hydration is to drink water. If the senior in your life cannot remember to drink water, set timers to remind them to drink. Use refillable bottles so you can gauge the amount of water they are drinking over a 24-hour period. Fun or personalized bottles may help them to enjoy drinking more.  If there are mobility issues, make sure bottles are close at hand and accessible.  
• If your loved one balks at drinking water, make it more interesting by adding flavorings, fruit, or even some vegetables. Try berries, lemon, cucumber, or limes. Some bottles have built-in infusers so that you can add fruit or flavorings. You can also prepare a pitcher for them to drink all day.  
• If your loved one still struggles with getting in enough water, supplement with herbal teas, flavored gelatin, or frozen popsicles. Avoid caffeinated drinks or foods or drinks that are high in sugar or salt since they can actually add to dehydration.  
• Healthy meals can also increase the hydration level. Most fruits and vegetables are high in water content and can help seniors stay hydrated while consuming a healthy diet.  Consider watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other food with high water content.
• Talk to their doctor about any medications they are taking that can affect their hydration.  

Senior Helpers Northwest Indiana Offers Compassionate Care and Companionship

If your senior loved one needs some extra care or companionship so that they can remain safely and comfortably in their own home, Senior Helpers Northwest Indiana can help. We provide professional care to all of Northwest Indiana including Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Lake County, and East Chicago. Contact us today to find out more.