Maintaining Healthy Hydration Levels

Now that the warmer months are here it is especially important for seniors not to wait until they feel thirsty before they reach for a drink of water.  Experts explain that by the time older adults feel thirsty; they may have already lost two or more cups of their total body’s water.  One of the first sign of dehydration can be a headachy feeling at the end of the day. 

As we age, our body’s ability to conserve water is diminished, and as such, we are more susceptible to water and electrolyte imbalances.  Seniors also have a diminished sense of thirst, which means they may forget to drink enough fluids and become dehydrated.  In addition, many medications commonly taken by the elderly have side effects that can cause dehydration such as blood pressure medications, heart disease medications, antihistamines, laxatives, and diuretics.  Diuretics, also known as water pills, are often taken by seniors with high blood pressure or heart problems as a way to reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and ease the pressure on the walls. 

There are useful tips that can help seniors to remember to drink enough fluids and to maintain healthy hydration levels.  To make it easy to stay hydrated, keep water in an easy-to-use water bottle.  To add more electrolytes to your water and to give it some extra flavor, add a slice of lemon or lime to your water.  It is recommended you drink moderate-size portions spread out through the day rather than drinking it all at once.  Add ice to keep it cold, and to make drinking water a habit, try to drink it at the same times throughout the day.

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides loving, individualized care for those with memory impairment.  We understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the warmer months and our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Our dementia care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to dementia care.