6 Tips to Avoid Dehydration in Elderly

Dehydration is a common health problem that not only young people but older people suffer from. It is the single most cause of hospitalization which often times lead to death.

If senior citizens consume water irregularly, they may suffer from health conditions like kidney stones, blood clot complications, weak pulse rate, and low blood pressure. Hence it is vital that older citizens stay hydrated all the time. To ensure that, follow some useful tip mentioned below.

1.   Consider Other Hydrating Options Besides Water

There are many other sources of fluids that provide high water content. Some of them include fruit or vegetables, and sweetened beverages.

If an older adult doesn’t like drinking plain water all the time, you can encourage him to drink these hydrating drinks.

2.   Water Should Always Be Easily Accessible

Older citizens tend to become lethargic and slow with age. They might avoid drinking a glass of water just because it is far from their reach.

This is why it is vital that water is always conveniently available to them. Always keep a jug of water and cup wherever they frequently sit or rest.

3.   Keep a Daily Reminder

Due to memory problems, older citizens may forget to drink water 8 times a day. In such a scenario, a daily visible reminder is significant. Make a chart and hang it up on their bedside wall.

A daily water intake chart will serve two purposes. It will remind senior citizens of when to consume water but also how much to consume it. In this way, they will stay hydrated all the while.

4.   Ask them to Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is a kind of drink that lowers the hydration level. Some of the caffeine-based drinks include tea, coffee, and caffeinated soft drinks.

Encourage older adults to avoid drinking caffeine. Or better is to replace caffeinated beverages with decaffeinated ones.

5.   Make Popsicles

Homemade fruit popsicles are a great combination of juice and water, also being the perfect summer treats for seniors. But most importantly, they are an amazing way to get water into older adults.

6.   Instill Fear of Incontinence among Older Adults

y addressing the fear of incontinence, older adults will avoid drinking water voluntarily. On the contrary, they will ensure that they consume maximum water daily.

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