Hydration is Key to Staying Healthy

Hydration is such an important part of staying healthy. Staying ahead of your thirst is really a key facture. Watching what we put into our bodies such as caffeine, which can dehydrate, can also be a benefit. Ingesting other foods and liquids besides water is also really helpful.

Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, we didn’t walk around with a water bottle like we do now. This is progress! But where does that leave our elders who did not grow up with the push to stay hydrated? The balance of having our elders enjoy the warm sunshine and stay hydrated at the same time requires some creativity.

Let’s start with getting ahead of the thirst and what that means for our senior populations. The reason we want to stay ahead of the thirst is because once we have reached the point of dry mouth, we are most likely already getting dehydrated.

Encourage fluids, especially water, throughout the day by having water readily available such as the water bottle they carry, or a large water container placed on a nearby counter with little water glasses for easy access. Make water the first thing they ingest when they start the day and the last thing they ingest at the end of day. If it’s a struggle to stay ahead of the hydration train, then maybe set a timer or have them drink a little sip at the start of each hour.

Be cognizant of what our seniors are putting into their bodies that cause dehydration: fried foods, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, medications, supplements and sugary foods. Educate yourself on what is hydrating and what is not. It’s true, knowledge is power!

Have a snack that is hydrating: watermelon (the name says it all!), cantaloupe, apples, pineapple, celery, watercress and cucumbers. If you know that your elder is not going to drink enough water, try to encourage a few of these water filled treats into their day.

Make water yummy. Who doesn’t like a nice flavor in our water? You can add lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, mint and cucumber to the water to give it a little pick-me-up.

The point of all of this is keeping our elders healthy, because that is what hydration is all about. When you know they are going to be outdoors, help them to dress accordingly and make sure if it gets too warm that they can slip into the shade. We want them to partake in the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine and to be healthy while doing it! QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.