Staying properly hydrated is essential—especially for your senior loved one. Even mild dehydration can worsen some of the health issues and mobility problems that many seniors face, so it's important to be aware of how much fluid their body needs.
Navigating different types of drinks can be overwhelming. You can learn more about dehydration and the best ways to combat it to help keep your senior loved one hydrated at all times.
The Benefits of Hydration
Staying hydrated has many amazing health benefits for your senior loved one. Many studies have shown that proper hydration can improve mental alertness, short-term and long-term memory, physical performance, and muscle contractions. On top of that, staying hydrated also has positive impacts on skin elasticity and moisture levels - reducing wrinkles and keeping skin looking fresh - as well as helping the immune system fight sickness more effectively.
The Risks of Dehydration
Unfortunately, not staying properly hydrated can carry significant risks - especially for your senior loved one. Research has found that dehydration can cause cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating and slowed reaction times for your senior loved one. Your senior parent might face fatigue due to reduced energy levels, muscle cramps caused by electrolyte imbalances, and even the possibility of heat stroke. It's better to stay ahead and make sure your senior loved one is getting get enough water and other liquids each day to stay fully hydrated.
Recommended Types of Drinks to Stay Hydrated
The easiest way to stay hydrated is by drinking water. This can be water from the tap, bottled water, or fizzy water depending on your senior loved one's preferences. But if plain water won't do, there are a few other options that many seniors find more enjoyable and still provide the necessary fluids for their bodies, such as
- Sports drinks with electrolytes can replace lost minerals
- Coconut water contains similar benefits without all the added sugars from regular sports drinks
- Flavored waters offer an array of flavors without additional calories or tons of sugar
- Milk can be full of beneficial nutrients (just watch out for added sugars!)
- Vegetable juices, fruit juices, and herbal teas contain vitamins while providing much-needed hydration throughout the day.
When you're encouraging your senior loved one to drink more and stay hydrated, you want to review the label on any new beverages to check for added sugars.
Select Senior Helpers Fresno to Help Care for Your Senior Loved One
A better understanding of the importance and benefits of hydration for your senior loved one is one of the ways that you can care for them. Remember to aim for at least eight glasses of water or equivalent each day - sticking to non-sugary options and choosing flavored waters can help make it easier in Fresno, Clovis, Hanford, Visalia, and Tulare. At Senior Helpers Fresno, we have extensive experience working with and caring for seniors. Our team can help with meal prep, remind them to take their medications, and tackle light housekeeping. Check out all of the ways we can help now!