Older adults are at greater risk for dehydration during the winter months. Air is drier during the cold season, potentially leading to dehydration. Plus, seniors’ thirst mechanism naturally diminishes with age. Caregivers should keep the elderly hydrated with these warm, delicious drinks this winter.
What is the importance of hydration in winter?
Staying hydrated is easy during the hot, summer months when thirst signals are strong. However, hydration is equally critical in the winter season, when air is drier and less humid and aging adults tend to drink beverages less frequently. In fact, hydration is even more important in winter.
Dehydration commonly affects seniors in winter because they don’t feel as thirsty. The thirst response decreases by up to 40 percent in the cold season. Furthermore, in winter, sweat evaporates almost immediately, so seniors do not realize that they lose bodily water.
A mere 1 to 2 percent of water loss leads to fatigue and weakness. Physical performance and dry mouth occur when seniors lose 3 to 4 percent water. Irritability occurs upon a loss of 5 to 6 percent water and 7 to 10 percent loss leads to dizziness and exhaustion.
Seniors who are concerned about urinary incontinence may neglect to hydrate sufficiently. The thirst response weakens as people age, too, making dehydration a problem for older adults, especially during the cold, dry winter months. As seniors lose muscle due to aging, they also lose body water.
What quantity of fluids should seniors drink?
Older men should consume about 3.7 liters of fluids per day. Aging women are advised to drink 2.7 liters per day to stay properly hydrated. Water is the ideal source of hydration. But several other warm beverage options may be more appealing during the blustery winter months. Here are six:
1. Hot Water with Lemon
The aging body processes water the easiest, making it the best fluid to combat dehydration. Add zest to a glass of hot water with a squeeze of lemon, which adds vitamin C. Boost flavor by drizzling honey into the glass. Hot lemon water is a tasty alternative to plain water.
2. Hot Chocolate
Cozy up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate. Seniors can enjoy this sweet beverage when caregivers prepare it with dark chocolate and low-fat milk. This healthy version of hot cocoa has a soothing effect, since dark chocolate increases serotonin levels and lowers blood pressure.
3. Herbal Tea
Wind down at the end of the day with a cup of delicious herbal tea. Chamomile and ginger teas are excellent cold-weather options, as they promote relaxation and aid in digestion, respectively. Filled with antioxidants and being caffeine-free, herbal teas support seniors’ overall health.
4. Green Tea
Serve seniors a cup of green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, enhances cognitive function and fights inflammation. Green tea contains caffeine, albeit a low level. Older adults can drink green tea in moderation without it interfering with their quality of nighttime sleep.
5. Black Coffee
Black coffee is touted for its many health benefits, like lowering the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and giving the brain a short-term boost. Seniors can drink black coffee in moderation, which amounts to about 1 to 2 cups per day. Opt for decaffeinated coffee to reduce caffeine intake.
6. Warm Apple Cider
What’s winter without apples—and warm apple cider? The luscious red fruit provides a dose of vitamin C and iron, while a dash of cinnamon offers antioxidants, lowers blood sugar, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sweet and comforting, warm apple cider is a hydrating winter drink.
How do caregivers prevent dehydration in the winter?
Caregivers should not only prepare these warm, tasty drinks but serve them to their aging care recipients throughout the day—even when the senior is not thirsty. Set alarms or visual cues to remind the senior to drink water or sip one of the warm beverages on this list.
Regularly check the color of the senior’s urine, which is a built-in hydration meter. The color of urine can reveal whether or not the older adult is sufficiently dehydrated. Pale, yellow urine indicates optimum hydration, while dark yellow suggests dehydration.
Provide the older adult with a water bottle they can reach for anytime. Establish a routine whereby the senior follows a hydration schedule. Consider their physical activity levels, environment, health, and any prescription medications that may increase their need to consume fluids.
Active seniors, for instance, should drink more water. Older adults living with chronic illnesses, like diabetes or kidney problems, also must hydrate more often. Some medications can cause the aging body to lose a larger amount of water. A diet high in salt requires greater water consumption, too.
When your aging loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, they may have trouble remembering to hydrate. Chronic illnesses also make it difficult to consume enough liquids. If your aging loved one neglects to hydrate, elder care from Assisting Hands Home Care can help.
We offer several non-medical care services to keep seniors not only hydrated but safe and comfortable. Among our comprehensive care options are grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation. Caregivers serve seniors beverages throughout the day to keep them adequately hydrated.
Responsibilities also include transportation to nearby areas, like the medical clinic or pharmacy. We perform light housekeeping to promote cleanliness and clear clutter to prevent falls and injuries. Caregivers provide medication reminders and mobility support to enhance confidence.
Companionship is a valued service we provide. Older adults stay socially engaged with our caregivers who converse, play stimulating games, and take them on enjoyable outings. The meaningful bonds we forge prevent aging care recipients from feeling lonely, isolated, or depressed.
If the senior in your life could use help staying hydrated or simply needs extra support at home, Assisting Hands Home Care is prepared to fulfill their care needs. Our licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers serve Schaumburg, Illinois. Schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn about senior home care.
Daniela has master’s degree in electronic engineering with a pedagogical specialty and master’s degree in marketing management.
After completing her schooling, Daniela worked at a hospital for 6 years as the Director of Business Marketing Development and Public Relations.
Starting Assisting Hands Home Care
Daniela spent more than 14 years as the Assistant Vice President of a national bank before becoming a co-owner of Assisting Hands Home Care of Schaumburg.
Her background in public relations and marketing along with her personal experience caring for her mother motivates Daniela to be passionate about helping families in the Schaumburg, IL area find exceptional caregiving services for their elderly loved ones.
Besides providing home care, Daniela enjoys giving back to the community in her free time, supporting various events at St. Peter Parish in Geneva, IL such as fundraising, school projects, charity events, and more. She also enjoys volunteering for the Humanitarian Service Project in Carol Stream, IL. This organization provides seniors with meals as well as food and supplies for children living in poverty.
