Regrettably, up to 40% of elderly individuals do not intake sufficient liquids, while approximately 17-28% of older people suffer from constant dehydration. Dehydration can make you feel sick and worsen existing health issues. It can also elevate your chances of experiencing heat exhaustion and severe health conditions.
What are some indications that you could be continuously dehydrated? Search for the following indicators:
- Darker urine indicates dehydration, while lighter urine suggests proper hydration.
- Kidney problems, like kidney stones.
- Skin that is dry, itchy, or flaky to the touch.
- Regular headaches that occur without a clear reason, commonly in warm temperatures or following physical activity.
- Fatigue without a clear explanation.
- Long-term or abrupt constipation.
- Difficulty focusing or staying attentive.
- Feeling of dehydration in the mouth or throat.
Advantages of Increasing Water Intake
You may be aware that the majority of your body is composed of water, so if you are lacking in this essential element, almost every bodily function will be lowered in efficiency. Here are some important advantages of consuming water:
- It assists in lubricating the joints.
- It aids in producing saliva, preventing dryness and irritation in your mouth and throat.
- Skin that is well moisturized appears more attractive and is not as susceptible to specific skin issues.
- Assisting your digestive system operate, lessening constipation and aiding in regularity.
- It aids in keeping your blood at the correct thickness, simplifying the process.
Suggestions for Seniors to Stay Hydrated
Remaining properly hydrated is a routine, and just like any other routine, it requires time to establish. These seven hydration strategies for seniors can assist in incorporating water into your daily schedule and increasing water consumption in a more pleasurable way.
Drinking water isn’t particularly tasty. If you’re used to drinking juice or soda, transitioning to drinking more water might seem boring. Opting for pure water is always the top choice, yet enhancing its taste can still allow you to reap similar advantages. Attempt the following:
Infuse your water with a small amount of lemon or lime for added flavor. Consider using filtered or distilled water instead. A few individuals may observe minerals present in tap water and find the taste unpleasant. Think about seltzer water, which provides the fizzy feel of soda minus the calories and sugar.
Do not delay until you are already dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue, parched skin and lips, and intense thirst. However, if you wait for these indicators to show up, you will suffer from chronic dehydration. This hinders the ability to reach optimal hydration levels and can negatively impact your health in general.
You have the right to experience good health. Therefore, incorporate water into your daily wellness regimen instead of waiting for dehydration to happen.