|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The
Importance of Hydration in Seniors
Keeping the body hydrated in particularly important
for the elderly
News Canada
As
the fastest growing sector of our population, the
health and well-being of the elderly is in the
interest of all. Proper nutrition, as recommended by
Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, and regular
physical activity are two important approaches
seniors can take to enable healthy aging. In
addition to a proper diet and exercise, Sherry
Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Canadian
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, says that
hydration plays a significant role in healthy living
for seniors.
“A
loss of hydration is one of the biggest factors that
impacts how seniors look and feel. As we age, our
total body water decreases as does our thirst
sensation,” said Torkos. “Dehydration can therefore
happen much more quickly and occurs more frequently
in the elderly. Fluid loss is serious, affecting the
heart, kidneys and brain, and in extreme cases can
even be life threatening.”
Dehydration can make seniors weak and dizzy, which
increases their chances of falling. Health Canada
estimates that 20 percent of injury-related deaths
among seniors can be traced back to a fall. With the
warm weather approaching, the risk of the elderly
suffering from dehydration increases. The good news
is that keeping hydrated is easy.
Here
are some simple ways to prevent dehydration:
-
Do not judge your need for water by thirst.
Drink water whether you are thirsty or not;
-
Be aware of certain foods and beverages that
promote water loss, such as coffee, tea and soft
sugared beverages;
-
Increase your water intake by consuming foods
like oranges, watermelon, tomatoes and leafy
green vegetables;
-
Keep hydrated when you are on the go. Don't
leave home without a bottle of water especially
in the hot summer months
“Drinking water is one of the most important
elements to healthy aging”, says Torkos. “Get in the
habit of keeping a bottle or glass of water handy at
all times and as always, remember to recycle your
bottle.”
News Canada
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
“A loss of hydration is one of
the biggest factors that impacts how seniors
look and feel. As we age, our total body water
decreases as does our thirst sensation” |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
It's
easy to stay up to date on the things that interest
you. Just 
