As we age, the need to drink water becomes more important than ever before. Body water content decreases, the risk of dehydration increases, and the consequences of being dehydrated become more serious. As we become older, the balance between our need for water and our want for water shifts. The less water an older person drinks, the less thirsty they become, leading the way to possible serious dehydration and other complications. A person should consume at least one cup of water for every 10 kilograms of body weight daily, that’s around 6-8 glasses for the average person. Exercise increases the need for additional water intake to replace fluids lost through excessive perspiration as does warmer weather, so when the summer months are fast approaching, it is wise to be extra vigilant when monitoring your water intake. Increased dietary fibre intake in seniors, which is usually recommended for older people to aid with constipation and other health concerns, also increases the need for water. Also, many medications are diuretics, which means you will need to consume more water daily to avoid dehydration. It is best to check with your doctor about the medications you are taking and if they are diuretics or have a diuretic effect on the body.
A quick list of CAUSES OF SENIOR DEHYDRATION
· Medications
It’s not uncommon for seniors to be on several medications at any given time. Some of these may be diuretic, while others may cause patients to sweat more.
· Decreased Thirst
A person’s sense of thirst becomes less acute as they age. In addition, frail seniors may have a harder time getting up to get a drink when they’re thirsty, or they may rely on caregivers who can’t sense that they need fluids.
· Decreased Kidney Function
As we age our bodies lose kidney function and are less able to conserve fluid (this is progressive from the age of 50, but becomes more acute and noticeable over the age of 70).
· Illness
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea can quickly cause elderly dehydration.
· Hotter Weather in Summer Months
During the summer months we sweat more in our daily activities, losing vital fluids and contributing to dehydration.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING ADEQUATE WATER DAILY
· Increases Energy and Relieves Fatigue – Water helps you to concentrate better and focus and gives you more energy.
· Flushes Out Toxins From The Body – Removes waste through sweat and reduces likelihood of UTI’s (urinary tract infections) and kidney stones.
· Improves Skin Complexion – Keeps skin fresh, smooth and glowing.
· Boosts Immune System – Being hydrated helps to fight against colds, flus and other nasties.
· Maintains Regularity – Aides in digestion and prevents constipation.
· Prevents Sprains and Strains – Being hydrated keeps joints lubricated and muscles more supple and elastic, so joint pain, muscle sprains and strains are less severe and les common.
· Elevates Mood – When you are able to concentrate and move more freely you feel happy.
· Natural Headache Remedy – Helps to prevent and relieve headaches which are commonly caused by dehydration
· Helps Maintain Good Body Weight – By staying hydrated we feel fuller and are not so inclined to overeat or snack. Quite often feelings of hunger are actually due to dehydration. It is essential that you increase your water intake when the summer months are approaching. If you find it hard to remember to drink water, set a timer on your phone or on an alarm clock to remind you at certain intervals during the day to have a drink of water. Also substitute soft drinks, juices and coffee during the day with water instead and include more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet that have a high water content. Your body will love you for it!
Samantha Ashley – Green Valley Bowen Therapy.