Mildly dehydrated older adults will often perk up noticeably after they drink some fluids, usually within 5-10 minutes. Moderate dehydration is often treated with intravenous hydration in urgent care, the emergency room, or even the hospital.
If you have trouble drinking fluids, try including water-rich foods with every meal. These include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and celery. Soups, broths and stews are also a good way to boost your fluid intake, especially in the colder weather.
The recommended daily water intake is at least one cup of water for every 20 pounds of weight. If living in a warm climate, seniors might perspire and need more water. Exercise also increases the need for water as does medications and health conditions.
Daily fluid intake
The Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.
The fastest way to hydrate is with an oral rehydration solution. These products are packed with electrolytes which are minerals found in your body that balance fluid levels and maintain optimal hydration. While you can hydrate fast with regular water, focus on electrolytes.
If you can't get a pre-mixed rehydration solution, don't try to make one yourself. Instead, replace lost fluids naturally with sips of water, fruit juice, crushed fruit mixed with water, or salty soups or broths.
Those in the 65-and-older crowd simply have less water in their bodies than younger adults or children. Decreased kidney function also can affect fluid levels. The reduction in thirst that comes with age can keep that already low supply from being replenished.
Negative Consequences of Not Drinking Water
If the body's electrolyte and fluid balances are disrupted, the activity of the heart and brain can be diminished. Other effects from inadequate water intake include heavier breathing, arthritis from poor joint lubrication, muscle soreness, and higher body temperature.
Dehydration: A Common Problem Among Seniors
A common and serious condition in older adults, dehydration can cause severe problems and even result in death if left unchecked.
Drinking plain water is an effective way to ensure you maintain hydration throughout the day and meet your daily fluid intake needs. Drinking before an after meals also helps your body absorb water, as you'll pair it with the essential nutrients that help you absorb water such as glucose and sodium.
Water is perfect for hydration if you're doing light exercise. If you exercise strenuously for more than 2 hours and lose sweat, consider an electrolyte beverage that contains carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium.
Fruits and vegetables can help with hydration [a banana is 74% water!] and provide healthful nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. So for elite athletes – or those just trying to stay fit – a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, including bananas, is important for performing at your best!
Can tea replace water as a source of hydration? In short: no. In the water-versus-tea battle, water still wins. Because water doesn't contain caffeine, sugar, or other additives, it's the purest form of hydration.
Electrolyte drinks are beneficial to pretty much everyone, but they're particularly helpful for seniors who are at a greater risk for dehydration and may struggle to get adequate electrolytes from food sources, such as leafy greens, fruit, meat, nuts, and legumes.
You should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. Here are some simple tips for making sure you reach your goal and get enough water. Sip on drinks throughout the day. Get a reusable water bottle with a straw and fill it with plain water.
The person loses consciousness at any time. There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures). The person has a fever over 102°F (38.8°C). You notice symptoms of heatstroke (such as rapid pulse or rapid breathing).