A common issue that seniors encounter is not feeling the cues of thirst. This can leave them dehydrated and lead to other serious medical conditions. Here at Senior Helpers St. Charles, we understand the difficulty of proper hydration and want to provide our St. Charles, St. Peters, Chesterfield, Ballwin, West County, South County, and Jefferson County seniors with the information they need to stay healthy, happy, and hydrated. Read on to learn how to stay hydrated if you never feel thirsty.
Why Might Seniors Not Feel Thirst Cues?
Seniors may find themselves not feeling thirsty due to a variety of factors. One of the primary causes is due to medications that can interfere with the brain's ability to recognize the thirst response. For example, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and antihistamines can all interfere with thirst sensing. They can also cause individuals to not feel the need to hydrate. Additionally, the aging process can cause our bodies to not recognize thirst as they once did.
Set a Schedule
One way to ensure that you stay hydrated is to create a schedule where you drink water throughout the day at designated times. Having a set time each day, such as midmorning, midafternoon, and bedtime can help ensure that your body is getting its proper hydration. Creating a schedule will also help make hydration part of your daily routine, so it becomes easier to remember.
Drink Water Before Meals
Another way to stay hydrated is to drink a glass of water or other beverage before meals. This can help you to make sure your body is getting the fluid it needs. This can also assist with digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also help with proper portion control and may help you avoid overeating.
Eat High-Water Content Foods
By adding foods that are high in water content to your diet, you can help your body stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, cucumbers, spinach, celery, and oranges all contain a lot of water and are a great way to increase your water intake. Additionally, soups and broths are excellent sources of hydration and can help to add flavor and variety to meals.
Use Reminder Apps
There are many reminder apps available for smartphones and tablets that can help you keep track of your hydration throughout the day. Set reminders at specific times to make sure you're drinking enough and track your intake over some time. This can be a great way to ensure proper hydration and provide peace of mind.
Stay Hydrated With the Help of Senior Helpers
Staying hydrated can help to keep seniors healthy and active and is an important step in the right direction. By setting a schedule, drinking water before meals, eating high-water content foods, and utilizing reminder apps, seniors can ensure they are getting the proper hydration they need to stay feeling their best.
We at Senior Helpers St. Charles are here to provide high-quality in-home senior care services and can help you or your elderly loved one stay on track with staying hydrated. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home senior care services!