January Tips for Seniors

Most of us don’t drink enough fluids everyday. Fluid is important to good health as it makes up 60% of our body weight. Water aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals, flushes our body of toxins and waste, and ensures proper organ function.

In elders, the balance between the need for water and the thirst for water changes, just as the desire for food lessens. The less water an elder drinks, the less thirsty they become, and the more at risk they are of serious dehydration leading to other physical and mental complications.

Senior citizens are at particular risk for dehydration because their kidney function has diminished to some degree. (www.health.gmnews.com)

Lack of water causes dehydration which can cause death in the most severe cases. For the average elder, lack of sufficient water based fluids can in the short term cause drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion, and increased chronic pain. Over time, the lack of water can cause lack of muscle tone, slow down metabolism, increase toxicity in the vital organs, arthritis, hypertension, constipation, the list goes on.

Mayo Clinic Staff report that in order to maintain good health one should drink 64 ounces of fluids per day, and excrete 6.3 cups of light or colorless fluid a day. These standards apply to elders especially. (mayoclinic.com)

Elders should make sure that most of their fluid intake is in water, tap or bottled, at any temperature. Be sure to stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and sodas, which actually leach water from your system, and cause a negative effect on your fluid totals.

The easiest way for elders to make sure they are drinking enough water is to fill a 32oz water bottle twice a day, and keep it at hand to sip regularly. If your diet is heavy in fruits and vegetable you can get up to 20% of your fluids from these sources as they are 90% water themselves. One good tip is to freeze fresh fruit and vegetable juices in ice trays on a stick. You can pop them out and suck them all day for a fun and delicious fluid filled treat, or drop them in your glass of water for a flavor filled addition to your drink, and at the same time increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.

For elders and their loved ones alike, we are all not drinking enough fluids. Remember 64 oz over 24 hours for maximum good health.