Five Benefits of Drinking More Water for Elderly Adults

By Zachary Desmond, Executive Administrator | March 10, 2016

Elder Care in Fort Lauderdale FL

Adequate hydration is important for people of all ages, but it can have many great health benefits for elderly adults. Too often, however, elderly adults forget to drink enough water or quench their thirst with other beverages instead. The truth is, nothing can take the place of pure water and elderly adults should make an effort to drink water whenever they are thirsty. Here are just five of the many important benefits of drinking plenty of water for elderly adults.

Hydration Helps Prevent Dry Skin

Elderly adults are at a higher risk for developing severely dry skin. Factors such as winter air, indoor heating and cooling, and thinning skin can all contribute to dry skin, but dehydration is a main cause. When elderly adults get adequate hydration through drinking water they can prevent itchy, uncomfortable dry skin.

Hydration Fights Dry Mouth

Elderly adults often suffer from dry mouth as it is a common side effect of many medications. Drinking water frequently throughout the day can help reduce uncomfortable dry mouth and it can help prevent tooth decay and other negative consequences of prolonged dry mouth.

Water Aids Digestion

Many elderly adults suffer from chronic or occasional constipation. Drinking plenty of water along with making diet changes can help prevent and treat constipation and promote healthy digestion. In fact, without adequate hydration, fiber from healthy foods cannot do its job properly.

Hydration Prevents Headaches

Oftentimes headaches are caused simply by dehydration. If your elderly loved one makes a habit of keeping water nearby and sipping on it often, they may find that they get headaches less often.

Water Keeps Organs Functioning Properly

Adequate hydration can keep elderly adults’ kidneys, brain, and other organs functioning properly. Since the body is made up of about 60% water, it is important that elderly adults replenish the water that gets used by the organs and muscles.

Remember: Drinking water is always the best way to stay hydrated. Caffeinated beverages like coffee and sodas actually act as a diuretic and can dehydrate the body. If your elderly loved one has a hard time drinking enough water, try keeping a water bottle near them to remind them to drink water. Other ways you can help them stay hydrated include serving them water-rich fruits and vegetables, serving a glass of water at every meal, and flavoring their water with fruits like lemons or strawberries.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Fort Lauderdale, FL, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Home Health Care today. Call (954) 622-0588.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/6-reasons-to-drink-water?page=1

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Zachary Desmond, Executive Administrator

Executive Administrator at Alternative Home Health Care

Zach Desmond began working with Alternative Home Health Care in September of 2013. In his role as Executive Administrator (EA), Zach is responsible for the overall direction of the organization and high level strategy that aligns with the company’s overall mission, vision, and values.

Zach brings to Alternative 10 years of healthcare operations, sales, finance, and “turn around” experience, having led multiple home health care locations across five states to profitability and sustainability. His history of improving customer service, work flow design, and operational efficiencies along with bottom line profitability has earned him awards and recognition a top performer. Zach realized early on in his career that he felt a true connection to caring for those who need help and ensuring they received the highest quality of care available.

Zach received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Zach resides in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, three dogs, one cat and stays very involved in his local community.