Staying hydrated crucial for all

Replenishing water is important for everyone, but dehydration is most dangerous for babies, small children and older adults. There are numerous important facts to know about why staying hydrated is essential as well as factors that cause dehydration, especially in older adults:

⏩ Medications: Some prescriptions can contribute to dehydration, including diuretics, while others may cause patients to sweat more.

⏩ Decreased thirst: As we age, our sense of thirst may diminish, and getting up to get a drink may be more difficult. Additionally, older individuals may rely on caregivers for fluids.

⏩ Decreased kidney function: As we age, we lose kidney function and become less able to conserve water. This begins at 50 and becomes more acute over 70.

⏩ Illness: It’s important to drink fluids when anyone is sick. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Fluid intake can include ginger ale, tea and juice.

There are symptoms to watch for that can be signs of dehydration, such as confusion, dizziness and headaches, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and low urine output.

Diseases such as diabetes can lead to dehydration. Additionally, dehydration can result in more serious medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia, which may require hospitalization in older adults.

Many people associate the importance of staying hydrated during the warmer months, but fluid intake is important all year long. Water is not only needed to replenish the body when we perspire, but also insulates the body to keep us warm in the colder months.

Helpful hints to staying hydrated: Eat and drink your water. Fruits and vegetables, yogurt, low-fat milk, tomato sauce, applesauce, Jell-O, and broth-based soups are a few ways to increase fluids in one’s diet. It is also beneficial to have a glass of water with each meal. Small changes can make a big difference.

Laura Falt is director of community relations at Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation in Middletown. She welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults. She can be reached at 860-335-7526 and Lfalt@nathealthcare.com.