Good water supply for the elderly
Sufficient drinking is essential for performance and life at any age. However, as we get older, fluid intake becomes increasingly important for our health. Even though many people of the 65 and 70 plus generation are often much fitter and more active today than people of the same age three or four decades ago, everyone should keep an eye on their water balance. The feeling of thirst often decreases in later years. Older people in particular, who already have health restrictions and are dependent on the help of others, must be supplied with sufficient water.
Numerous symptoms of fluid deficiency
The human body reacts quickly to a lack of water. A lack of fluids leads to a rapid loss of vitality at any age. In infants, toddlers and the elderly, the symptoms often manifest themselves more quickly and more intensely. The older a person is and the more they have to deal with minor or major health restrictions, the more important it is to take the symptoms that may indicate a lack of fluids seriously. In the cooler months of the year, when the heating is turned up, the air is dry and people do not drink enough, the skin dries out very quickly. Mucous membranes can also become dry. Chapped lips are also classic. Dry mouth also usually indicates a need for fluids. Tiredness, headaches, poor concentration and a reduction in physical performance can often be prevented by drinking the right amount. In older people, dizziness and confusion can also often indicate an insufficient water intake. Especially if there are already underlying heart conditions, blood pressure problems or signs of dementia, such symptoms put additional strain on the body. An elevated body temperature does not necessarily mean a fever or an infection. This could also be caused by a lack of water in the body. Drinking too little, especially later in life, can often quickly lead to constipation and urinary tract infections. All impairments can be easily prevented with the individually required drinking quantity.
Recommendations for the optimum amount to drink 65 plus
The German Nutrition Society (DGE ) recommends that the 65 plus target group should consume around 1.3 liters of fluid per day in the form of drinks. 1.5 liters would be even better. Around 700 ml per day should be consumed through solid food. Soups are often very popular with older senior citizens and people with swallowing or chewing problems. These can make a good contribution to overall water intake and may also compensate for the lack of fluid intake from drinks. Conversely, if the appetite is lacking, the prescribed water intake from solid food can be balanced out with drinks. In addition, digestive processes produce a small amount of oxidation . Bei der Oxidation gibt ein Stoff Elektronen ab und wird positiv geladen. water in the human body, which is available to the organism again. As a rough guide, around 30 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight should be consumed throughout the day through drinks and solid foods. Some diseases of the cardiovascular system, the kidneys or the metabolism make it necessary to limit fluid intake for medical reasons. On the other hand, some medications may require more fluids. In these cases, a doctor should always be consulted.
Small support – big impact
Everyone likes to drink more if it tastes good. Although water is the best source of fluids for the body, pure water does not always make you want to drink. Various herbal and fruit tea blends, possibly sweetened with honey or thick juices, can increase the pleasure of drinking. Fruit spritzers are also good thirst quenchers. Fresh juices, smoothies or mixed milk drinks with fruit often automatically increase the amount you drink due to the taste experience. It is always best to have a drink with every meal. This can also be a freshly brewed, fragrant coffee in the morning or afternoon. A pleasant smell whets the appetite for drinking. If you want to make sure that you or a relative are drinking enough, it is best to keep a small list in the form of a drinking log. This can easily be divided into the columns breakfast, morning, lunch, afternoon, dinner and late meal – with the respective amount to drink during the day. This makes it clear how much was actually drunk in a day.
