Dehydration can be a really big deal for seniors. Inadequate water throughout the day can lead to electrolyte imbalances, constipation, and kidney complications. The impact of these health issues is often far more severe for seniors than it is for younger individuals. Additionally, the health issues that might seem minor to us in our younger years can become compounded over time. Minor health issues can become life threatening things as we age.
Obviously, this is something that we want to avoid, both for ourselves and for the people that we love. But staying well hydrated can often be a pain. Most of us are guilty of not consuming enough water throughout the course of a day. Honestly, most of us don’t really need to drink the eight 8 ounce glass of water that is often recommended. This recommendation is outdated and applies to individuals that are very physically active. But most of us should be getting close to this amount of water. It’s rare that individuals get half of this amount of water over the course of a day, though. And that can be dangerous as we get older.
Establishing healthy habits when we are younger makes it easier to live a healthier life as we age. That means that drinking enough water every day when we are younger is essential if we want to live a healthy life when we’re older. Even if you don’t necessarily feel the impact of these healthier choices right now, you will reap the benefits of creating these habits as you age. The same holds true for many other activities, such as eating right, avoiding things like tobacco and alcohol, and getting enough exercise.
However, it’s not too late to help the elderly individuals in your life start to drink more water–and focus on these other healthy habits, too. One easy way to start is by replacing one sugary drink that’s consumed each day with a glass of water. Avoiding soda and having a glass of water instead can go a long way toward helping to improve hydration. A lot of sugary drinks contain caffeine, which can actually dehydrate people more than it helps. Sugars may also upset electrolyte balances. Doing this can also help with a whole host of other health issues, too. This includes heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Some people find that getting a water bottle and keeping it with you throughout the day can help, too. Sometimes we don’t drink enough water simply because we don’t have the visual reminders that we need. And if you are out when you’re suddenly thirsty, you’re much more likely to buy something sweet as a treat than a bottle of water. Keeping your water bottle nearby will not only help you to stay hydrated, but it is likely to save you money, too.
If your older loved one has a caregiver, asking them to help maintain hydration levels can be an easy way to assist, too. Senior care is all about meeting needs, and this is an easy way that you can help a loved one do this. If there’s not a caregiver, other family members can pitch in with this.
Don’t forget: these are things that you can do even if you’re not older, too!
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