With summer temperatures rising dehydration can cause a serious problem for seniors. It’s best to prevent it from happening, but that’s easier said than done. With some help of creative tips and effort keep dehydration at bay.
Dehydration Can Be Serious
Prevention is important because dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization in people over 65 and can even cause death. Hydration is also key in aiding certain medications to work.
Other health problems can include:
- Kidney stones
- Blood clot complications
- Passing out
- Rapid but weak pulse
- Lowered blood pressure
6 Tips For Getting Seniors To Drink More Water
1. Fluids Come in Many Forms
There are other ways of getting hydrated than just drinking water. Other options are tea, fruit juices, soups, fruits, and vegetables. If it can be difficult to get down the number of drinks needed then eat foods with high water content to increase hydration.
Foods with high water content:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Watermelon
- Lettuce
- Spinach
2. Have Easy Access to Water
If a pitcher of water or a water bottle is always in arms reach then it’s more likely to keep drinking water throughout the day. Make the flavor more exciting by adding cucumber, mint, and berries encouraging you to drink more.
3. Try Drinks at Different Temperatures
Drinks can be preferred at different temperatures from an iced latte to a hot chai tea. Experiment with different temperatures, such as warming up juices, making decaf iced coffee with cream, or adding soda water to make drinks bubbly.
4. Experiment with Savory Flavors
If savory flavors are something to their liking, then drinking hot soup broth is the way to go. Throw your favorite veggies in a pot of boiling water and simmer away. Not only is it hydrated, but beneficial for extra minerals and nutrients. This is also a great way to warm up in cold weather.
5. Make Popsicles
Get creative with making popsicles from different fruit juices, water, and whole fruits that can be a great summer treat. They’re an exciting way to get more liquids in while cooling off.
Different popsicle ideas:
- Grapefruit with mint or basil
- Lemonade with basil or lavender
- orange, peach, or mango with minced ginger
- Pineapple and mango with a teensy bit of hot pepper
6. Offer Different Textures and Flavors
Make drinks enticing by experimenting with different smoothies and milkshakes. The thickness and creaminess can make for a tasty delight.
Smoothie ideas:
- Banana Ginger Smoothie
- 1 banana, sliced
- ¾ c (6 oz) vanilla yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
Combine the banana, yogurt, honey, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
- Orange Dream Creamsicle
- 1 navel orange, peeled
- ¼ c fat-free half-and-half or fat-free yogurt
- 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ice cubes
Combine the orange, half-and-half or yogurt, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and ice cubes. Process until smooth.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.
