Water...The Elixir of Life
Now that summer has finally arrived and we are enjoying warmer weather, I thought I would share a few tips on staying hydrated. According to statistics, dehydration accounts for 25 to 45 percent of hospital visits in the geriatric population. I’ve seen it in several of my clients over the years. The reasoning behind the elderly not staying properly hydrated has many facets. Often, people don’t feel thirsty, especially if they are in air conditioned settings. Most facilities I visit pass out water and snacks throughout the day. However, older people living alone may not have someone to remind them to drink.
Anxiety over toileting can also lead the elderly to avoid drinking fluids. People who have some urinary incontinence may not consume enough fluids to avoid an embarrassing situation. Other older people who try to get out regularly may be worried about finding a bathroom in a public place.
While all of the aforementioned concerns are valid, none of them should be accepted if they could lead to hospitalization. There are a few tips I share with my clients that help prevent dehydration.
First, there is no firm rule for how much fluid one should drink on a daily basis. Every person is different; different size, different health issues, different activity level, different climate. However, one doctor I talked to said to take a person’s weight in ponds, divide it by 2, and you have a number of ounces they should aim for daily. For example, if a person weighs 120 pounds, 120 divided by 2 makes the fluid goal 60 ounces.
If someone is not a “water drinker,” as many of my clients claim, you can offer alternatives. Flavored water additives can make sipping more enjoyable. (Just try to stay away from high sugar beverages.) Milk, fruit juice, or sparkling water are other good options. Foods high in water content include watermelon, cantaloupe, cabbage, strawberries, and squash.
If someone wants to keep track of their water intake, I recommend a refrigerator filter pitcher that holds the number of ounces they are aiming for daily. Fill the pitcher at night before bed, and throughout the next take regular drinks. The pitcher should be empty by the end of the day.
Let’s encourage one another to drink more water every day and have a healthy and happy summer!
Just my two cents,
Penny