When the temperatures start to warm up, it’s more important than ever to make sure that the seniors in your life are getting the hydration they need. The average adult body is more than 50% water. This means that proper hydration is crucial to the body’s well-being. Water is vital in helping to transport nutrients throughout your body as well as keeping other bodily functions working properly. It is also an essential part of regulating body temperature, something many seniors need to be aware of, especially given the fact that The University Of Chicago Medical Center has found that people over the age of 65 comprise 40% of the heat related fatalities in the United States.

Dehydration can Cause Serious Health Issues for Seniors

As people get older, their body composition changes; this includes a decrease in water content. This can make the elderly even more susceptible to dehydration and its related problems. The elderly also have a reduced ability to notice changes in body temperature and their thirst often diminishes as well. Of course, certain medical conditions as well as some common medications can also increase the likelihood of dehydration. Unfortunately, when seniors become dehydrated, they can face serious health issues, such as impaired cognition, constipation and an increased risk of falls.

Dehydration often results in hospitalization in addition to increased mortality rates. In fact, among older adults in the United States, dehydration is one of the top 10 reasons for hospitalization.

Easy Steps to Help Keep Seniors Hydrated

With a little help, it’s possible to ensure seniors stay hydrated. Salus offers some simple steps to help prevent dehydration in seniors. One of these tips is to ensure you are frequently offering seniors a drink. When they take their medication, encourage them to drink a full 8 ounces of water. It can also help to make sure that seniors always have water close at hand. Put a bottle or glass of water at their bedside or next to their favorite chair. Making sure that a drink is always readily available can help increase fluid intake and prevent dehydration. Another great way to get more fluids is to offer a tasty mocktail. A mocktail can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated on a hot summer day.

A Delicious Mocktail for Better Hydration

A delicious mocktail is an excellent way to fight against dehydration. You’ll be able to offer your senior a delicious treat that will also help them stay hydrated for better health. This Strawberry Coconut Water Mocktail is sure to be a hit.

Strawberry Coconut Water Mocktail

1 cup fresh or bottled coconut water

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled

3 T sugar and 9 T water for simple syrup or use agave nectar to sweeten to taste

Directions:

1. To make the simple syrup: combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens to a syrup consistency. The syrup can be stored in a jar and used as needed when making mocktails.

2. Combine coconut water, strawberries and enough simple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten to your liking. Blend until mixture reaches a smooth consistency.

3. Serve over ice. Garnish with a sliced strawberry, if desired.


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