How Much Water Should Seniors be Drinking?

Dehydration is something that is a very common problem in the elderly community. There are many factors that contribute to this problem; so in this blog, we will be discussing how much water you need as a senior and why. If you are a senior living in Lakewood, keep reading to learn more about how to be proactive about dehydration.

What Causes Dehydration in Seniors?

Dehydration in seniors can be caused by a number of things. Here are a few of the  most common:

As we age, our bodies do not process and use fluids as efficiently as they used to. This means you may not feel as thirsty when you actually need fluids. It also means that your kidneys will not function as well, and will fail to concentrate your urine as much to avoid fluid loss when you are dehydrated. These issues then come together to compound your dehydration even more. If you are not thirsty, you will not feel like or think about drinking water; and the water you do have in your body is not being kept in your body as long as it should to be beneficial.

Another common problem that causes dehydration in seniors is the side effects of certain conditions and even medications. Many conditions can create a lot of pain, which can make even simple tasks such as drinking difficult. Incontinence is another issue that may contribute to dehydration. Since it can feel debilitating to not have bladder control, many seniors start to avoid fluids so they can urinate less. This can actually be quite harmful, and dehydrate you even more. Medications can also play a role in the dehydration of seniors. If you require more fluids on certain medications, and you are not proactive, you could be doing more harm than good. Some medications can also cause dehydrating side effects such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, etc. 

How Can Seniors Get More Fluids?

So, with all these things in mind, how can those in assisted living in Lakewood make sure they are staying hydrated? It is actually much easier than you might think! If just plain water is something that is difficult for you to handle for full hydration, there are a few other things you can do to get fluids in your body. Here are some other foods you can use to stay hydrated, and avoid the health risks of being dehydrated as a senior:

Melons

Soups

Teas

Cucumbers

Juices

Smoothie Bowls

Celery

Berries

Oranges

Peaches

Pineapples

Bell Peppers

Squash

Electrolyte Drinks (physician directed)

Keep in mind that nothing beats plain water when it comes to hydration, and the above list is just a way to supplement more fluids to help prevent dehydration. 

How Much Water is Enough?

A good rule of thumb when it comes to knowing whether you have had enough water is to aim for half your weight in ounces each day. So, if you weigh 100 pounds, you need at least 50 ounces of water every day. If you have had a very busy and active day, it can be a good idea to have a bit more to make up for any sweating and other fluid losses you have had that are more than usual. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Lakewood has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Applewood provides outstanding assisted living and memory care in Lakewood.