Staying Hydrated all Year Round
During the peak of summer, with the sun’s heat warming the air, it is a no-brainer to grab a drink of some refreshingly cool water, because, right, you don’t want to become dehydrated. But what about during the winter? Just because you don’t feel as thirsty and aren’t sweating, doesn’t mean you don’t still need water.
Water consumption is important all year round! This is a significant problem for seniors, as by default when the body ages, the feeling of thirst diminishes greatly. During winter, wearing heavy warm clothes and the so very nice warmth of a heater means the body is stealthily dehydrating much faster than one would otherwise assume.
Water is very important to the body. Dehydration itself is a common cause of hospitalization among the elderly, but even just insufficient hydration can lead to serious health problems over time, such as; Seizures, Kidney Stones, UTIs, abnormal bowel movements, and more.
So how should seniors remember to stay hydrated, especially during the winter months? Establishing a routine to remember to drink water throughout the day can be very helpful. Starting the day with a good sized reusable water bottle with the goal of finishing it by lunch, and then another to finish before bed is a good method. Hot soups and warm drinks are especially helpful during the cold as they keep the body both warm and hydrated (although be careful to not get too warm as this can actually increase the body’s perspiration and loosing water instead). For hydration try to avoid large amounts of alcoholic or caffeinated beverage, such as coffee, teas, and colas, as they tend to pull water from the body and promote dehydration. Water is best for hydration!
Staying hydrated is important, even during the cold winter. So remember to drink your water!
Read more:
https://www.blizecare.com/seniorcare-tip-high-risk-dehydration-seniors-winter/
https://www.mana.md/what-you-should-know-about-winter-dehydration/