Dehydration In the Elderly
Would You Recognize the Symptoms of Dehydration in the Elderly?
Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated? The parched lips, dry mouth and the beginnings of a headache are all messages from your body telling you to get a glass of water…..NOW!
Symptoms of Dehydration in the Elderly
The most common symptoms of elderly dehydration are NOT easy for the family, carer or friend to identify.
Because seniors already have a reduced sense of thirst, may be forgetful, have muscle weakness and confusion these early symptoms of dehydration can be attributed to other causes. Sometimes climatic changes such as being so hot you don’t want the extra effort of making a drink!
An increase in the heart rate and deep, rapid breathing are usually on picked on a medical examination. Other symptoms of dehydration in the elderly are headaches, dizziness and nausea. When you put all these symptoms together it is easy to see how dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after age 65.
Avoiding The Symptoms of Dehydration in the Elderly
This has to be the number one “go to” to prevent elderly dehydration. Healthy retirees will be able to get some of their water requirement from their normal diet. Active and fit retirees will find exercise demands drinking more! For those living alone with health and physical problems preparing and eating meals can fall well below the levels necessary to provide both the nutrients and motivation for adequate fluid intake.
My solution is to provide healthy homemade drinks that are so delicious and easy to prepare that they encourage even the most jaded of appetites!
6 Easy Steps To Avoid Elderly Dehydration
“Do It For Yourself” tips or “Do It For Someone You Care About” tips
Step One: Prepare fruit honey syrup It is a good idea to have at least 3 ready to go flavors in the fridge (omit this step if sugar is on the “no no” list!). You may like to start the day with a citrus kick but prefer something a little sweeter later in the day. Keep your intake motivation by varying the flavors!
FREE DOWNLOADS: Check out my recipes and storage tips for the syrup.
Step Two: Add the honey fruit syrup to your ready to use fruit infused water. Begin with simple citrus flavors. Then, branch out and try something a little different like lemon grass and lychee flavor!
FREE DOWNLOADS: Check out my favorite recipes for inspiration.
Maybe even make up some of your own fruit infused water..
Step Three: Prepare your favorite garnishes and keep them in a sealed container. Your garnishes (slices of lemon, lime and oranges) will last a few days this way. Having all the extras ready to go avoids the days when we “can’t be bothered!”
Step Four: Pick some fresh herbs from your garden. If you don’t have a garden then grow your own inside! The easiest and most useful herbs are basil, coriander, rosemary and parsley.
Step Five: Put all the elements together in your “best” glass! (Really, what are you saving them for?)
Step Six: Sit back and enjoy!