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If you’re a senior caregiver, you want to make sure they stay healthy and comfortable, especially if they take medication or it’s the peak of summer. Generally, seniors should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day, but this quantity can vary depending on physical activity and existing medical conditions. Here are a few reasons why seniors should stay hydrated throughout the day.

Why Caregivers Should Encourage Hydration for Seniors

1. Improves Brain Function

75% of the human body is made of water, with 73% of the brain composed of it as well. Your brain function improves when you’re hydrated. Dehydration can cause dizziness and confusion, putting seniors at risk for fainting and falling. By drinking enough water throughout the day, elderly people can effectively function and think clearly about daily tasks.

2. Supports Physical Activity

caregiverIt’s essential as a caregiver to keep seniors active throughout the day so that they’re physically and mentally fit. Dehydration can make them feel tired and lethargic and cause muscle cramps. Drinking enough water increases energy levels, letting aging adults participate in activities they enjoy, such as walking or playing tennis. Water also lubricates the joints and helps regulate body temperature, so they can stay active without injuring themselves.

3. Fights Illness

When you don’t drink enough water, it’s harder for the body to function and fight illness. Since aging adults have more trouble fighting viruses and bacteria, they must stay hydrated to ward off ailments, like pneumonia and the common cold. Seniors can also experience kidney and heart issues if they don’t stay hydrated. When you aren’t drinking enough water, the kidneys can’t properly filter blood. Blood can also thicken, putting strain on the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

 

Caregivers should make sure seniors are drinking enough fluids throughout the day to stay healthy and active. For more tips on taking care of your aging loved one, contact the team at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, HI. Their skilled team will ensure your senior is getting enough water, participating in fun activities, and maintaining a healthy diet. Learn more about their programs online, or call (808) 877-2761 to schedule a consultation.

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