Beat the heat: Essential summer safety tips for elderly hydration

Dehydration is a common issue in the elderly and one that can be exacerbated during spells of hot weather. The feeling of thirst is not a good indication of the body needing liquids, as it only kicks in once dehydration has already started.

Couple this with the fact that sensitivity to thirst decreases with age and it’s very important to keep an eye on older relatives during the summer and especially when there’s a heatwave. Not drinking enough water is associated with a number of health issues, as well as discomfort, which are all preventable.

Drinking enough to maintain good physical health

The benefits of elderly hydration are far-reaching and include lubricating the joints and eyes; facilitating good digestion; flushing out waste and toxins; and keeping the skin healthy. Headaches and dizziness are often the first signs that an individual isn’t taking in enough fluids.

People with Alzheimer’s and those who’ve had strokes are particularly likely not to notice when they’re thirsty. That means extra care should be taken to encourage them to drink or consume foods with a high liquid content.

Common signs of dehydration

While thirst and headaches are widely recognised signs of dehydration, there are other symptoms that should raise concern. In the elderly, not drinking enough can manifest in feeling more tired, light-headed, confused or unsteady.

In turn, these symptoms can increase the chance of trips or falls, which are more dangerous as people get older. This makes prevention much better than the cure. Look out for signs that your elderly relative has dry lips or mouth and if they say they’re suffering from constipation, they may also require a higher fluid intake.

Tips for improving hydration in the elderly

Age UK recommends six to eight drinks per day, with each of these being around 200ml each. That equates to a normal cup or glass size. Keeping track of this can be difficult and something an elderly relative needs support with.

It could be a case of keeping a chart on the fridge, but it may also just be a case of encouraging individuals to drink more. Make sure there’s a bottle of water within easy reach, so they can take sips and offer them cups of tea or coffee, as hot drinks count too.

Ice lollies are really useful for tempting those who are resistant to drinking more. Other foods that contain a high water content, like soups, milk and even jelly can be employed to ensure the elderly are consuming fluids.

Addressing a resistance to drink enough

Sometimes elderly people can be resistant to upping their water intake for fear of incontinence. This can be a delicate matter to negotiate, but should be tackled while maintaining the individual’s dignity.

Many people with mobility issues can be particularly concerned about getting to the toilet in time and therefore cut down on the amount they drink. Often, the reasons for this are not made expressly clear, so it’s up to carers and loved ones to read between the lines.

Putting measures in place to counteract the issue and reassure older people that they won’t get caught short can help. Failing to drink enough fluids for this reason can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections or constipation and must be avoided.

Top tips for keeping seniors hydrated

Here are some strategies for elderly hydration at a glance:

• Approach the topic of fluid intake sympathetically and don’t appear badgering
• Encourage bigger drinks to accompany taking medication
• Lead by example and have a drink together
• Experiment with drinks at different temperatures to see which ones appeal the most
• Incorporate savoury and sweet options into high-fluid choices
• Make water as appealing as possible by adding slices of cucumber or orange
• Put drink options within easy reach
• Serve drinks in brightly-coloured containers for those with poor eyesight, so they’re less likely to knock them over
• Use easy-to-handle cups for anyone with arthritis or muscle weakness
• Utilise straws for those with difficulties swallowing
• Dress a healthy smoothie up as a cocktail for those resistant to try something new
• Offer plates of raw fruits and vegetables as a snack, as cucumber is 96 per cent water and apple is 84 per cent