For most of us, drinking enough water is not a problem. About 20% of the total amount of water we consume comes from food and 80% comes from drinking water & other beverages. But dehydration can be especially harmful in the elderly. Having a decrease in muscle mass, older kidneys, laxative use, or using diuretics for congestive heart failure or high blood pressure can all effect the fluid balance on older adults.
A reliable clue to indicate dehydration is a rapid drop in weight. This loss may equal several pounds in a few days.
You can use these three easy steps to check whether you may be dehydrated:
- Listen to your body. Your lips may be dry, or your mouth may feel gummy or sticky.
- Watch for other signs. You may have difficulty concentrating on tasks or feel tired. Your heart rate may be a bit elevated or you might be having headaches.
- Check your fluid output. Low urine volume over the course of a day is usually associated with dehydration.
T recover, drink water or whole fruit juice slowly until you no longer feel thirsty. A banana will help restore minerals you may have lost. There is no evidence to suggest that drinking eight 8oz. glasses of water each day will make you healthier, and excessive water intake may also be harmful for elderly people.
Listen to your own body to determine the level of fluid intake that is best for you.
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