Starting the Year Right: Practical Tips to Help Seniors Stay Hydrated
The new year is a reminder for us all to prioritize our health and well-being. Many Americans across the nation will resolve to exercise more and add more healthy foods to their diet. While fitness and nutrition are essential, one fundamental aspect most of us often overlook is hydration. Drinking plenty of water is important regardless of your age. However, for seniors, staying adequately hydrated is extremely vital. As we age, our bodies experience changes in thirst perception and kidney function, putting us at risk for dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a myriad of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and cognitive decline.
As we welcome another year, it’s a great time for seniors to resolve to drink more water. Below are a few practical tips to help seniors stay hydrated, ensuring their year is off to a great start.
Set a Daily Hydration Goal
The first practical tip to helping seniors stay hydrated is to set a daily hydration goal. The goal should be relatively easy to achieve. Most seniors are familiar with the “eight glasses a day” rule. However, this is a common guideline and may not be a realistic goal for some seniors. Factors such as age, weight, chronic health conditions, activity levels, and even the weather affect how much or little water is adequate for an individual senior. Generally, a goal of six to eight glasses of water a day is reasonable. If you’re unsure how much water you should consume, have a conversation with your primary care physician.
Keep Water Accessible
Another practical tip to helping seniors stay hydrated is to keep water accessible. Seniors may be more inclined to take a drink of water if it’s easily accessible. One way to do this is to purchase a few water bottles that seniors can place around their homes, such as in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. This ensures that water is within reach throughout the day. Make a habit of refilling the water bottles every morning or as soon as one is empty. Carry a water bottle with you when you leave the home, especially if you plan to be active. Many local parks and trails in Fort Worth have drinking fountains where you can easily refill your water bottle when you’re out and about.
Establish a Hydration Routine
In congruence with keeping water accessible, seniors can stay hydrated by establishing a hydration routine. Creating a routine around hydration helps seniors remember to drink water consistently. Start the day by refilling your water bottles and drinking one glass of water before enjoying a cup of coffee. Enjoy a glass of water before each meal or snack. Look for other opportune times in your routine when you can drink another glass of water, such as before a senior fitness class at places like Sixty and Better or Future Fitness Training. You can also set reminders to drink water periodically throughout the day on your smart devices.
Eat Hydrating Foods
The last practical tip to help seniors stay hydrated is to incorporate hydrating foods into your diet. Fruits and vegetables have a high water content, and they’re more healthy for you. Keep your pantry stocked with hydrating fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, celery, peppers, and strawberries. Include fruits and vegetables with each meal and snack. Although fruits and vegetables should never replace drinking water, they can help seniors achieve their hydration goals. Pick up fresh produce at your local grocery store or at the Cowtown Farmers Market. If you are unable to prepare healthy meals for yourself, organizations like Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County, can help.
As we start the new year, Visiting Angels Fort Worth is here to help seniors prioritize their health and well-being. Our home care services include a range of dedicated services that make aging in place possible. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with a variety of home care needs, such as bathing, dressing, meal planning and preparation, transportation to doctor appointments, and more. In addition to assisting around the home, our caregivers can gently remind you to drink more water and keep you company by playing a game with you or escorting you on a walk around your neighborhood. Our personalized approach to senior home care sets us apart from our competition. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 817-877-1616.