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Are you getting enough fluids?
“Older people just don’t feel as thirsty as younger people. They have to make a conscious effort to drink more to stay well-hydrated,” says Robert Russell, M.D., associate director of the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston. Dehydration is a serious matter for seniors; it can lead to blood pressure problems, blood clots, chronic constipation and may compromise kidney function. Seniors need to down eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Coffee, tea and alcohol don’t count.
Facts
· Your body is approximately 50% water.
· Thirst is not a good measure of dehydration in seniors.
· Products containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, or sodas and alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you.
Signs & symptoms of dehydration
· Loss of appetite
· Increased effort for physical work and/or a lack of energy
· Headache, nausea, and/or dizziness
· Difficulty in concentrating and/or increased confusion
· Hot skin
· Tingling of arms, hands, and/or feet
· Speech difficulty and/or dry tongue
· Dry mucous membranes in nose & mouth
· Upper body muscle weakness and/or muscle spasms
· Sunken appearance of the eyes in their sockets
Recommendations
· At least 6.5 cups of fluid every day (1,500 ml / day)
Note: If you have congestive heart failure (CHF) or kidney disease, please consult your physician for your needs.
Antonio S. Santo, Ph.D. prepared part of this article for the Erie County Department of Senior Services in New York State.