Kennel Kelp Holistic Healing Hour History of Water and Hydration Part 2

In todays episode we continue looking at hydration for health.There are a number of other reasons elderly adults face a greater risk of developing dehydration. First, total body water decreases with age (from 60 percent to 52 percent in men, and from 52 to 46 percent in women). Therefore, an adult over 60 years old has less water to lose before becoming dehydrated. Not to mention, chronic diseases, neurologic conditions and some prescription medications, to name a few, all can exacerbate dehydration quickly.

Risk Factors for Elderly Dehydration

There are several risk factors caregivers should recognize that heighten the risk for your patients of developing dehydration. Understanding these risk factors and helping your patients recognize them can lower the risk for dehydration. Factors include:

Swallowing disorders caused by stroke, Parkinson’s disease or dementia
Obesity
Patients over 85 years old
Being bedridden
Diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating
Having 5 or more chronic diseases
Taking 5 or more prescription medications
Diminished drinking due to fear of incontinence

Chronic dehydration in elderly patients can wreak havoc on the body, although it’s not always readily apparent.

For instance, studies of elderly patients have shown that dehydration increases the risk for constipation, urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, kidney stones and medicine toxicity. Plus, evidence shows that dehydration can lead to an increase in falls and longer stays in rehab facilities.

7 Tips to Help Prevent Dehydration in Elderly Patients

Encourage your patients to drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day, rather than drinking large amounts all at once.
Five 8-ounce glasses of water per day is a good bench for elderly patients. Although everyone’s needs are different, studies have shown that elderly adults who drink 5 glasses of water experience lower rates of fatal coronary heart disease.
Patients should avoid coffee, alcohol and high-protein drinks, especially in large quantities, because they have a diuretic effect. This leads to a greater loss of body water, which can cause or exacerbate dehydration.
Make it easier for your patients to drink more fluids voluntarily. Encourage older adults to drink water, milk or juice with every meal, and keep favorite beverages nearby.
Caregivers and their patients should recognize the early warning signs of dehydration. Warning signs include fatigue, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, headaches, dry mouth/nose, dry skin and cramping.
Remember that foods high in water, like fresh fruits, vegetables and some dairy products, can help your patients meet their daily water needs. Encourage your patients to eat foods high in water.
Fear of incontinence can diminish a patient’s urge to drink voluntarily. Therefore, encourage patients to drink more during the day and limit drinking before bed. Additionally, drinking small amounts of water throughout the day may help.

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