Active Aging

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 | Active Aging Week 9 Or shop online at www.canadianfootwear.com NORMALLY, IF YOU FEEL THIRSTY, THAT MEANS YOU'RE MILDLY DEHYDRATED. BECAUSE OLDER ADULTS DON'T GET THE SENSATION AS READILY, IT OFTEN MEANS THEY'RE A LOT FURTHER ALONG, AND ARE VERY DEHYDRATED." Hao-Yi Sim, registered dietitian, the Wellness Institute " recent study from the University of California's Los Angeles School of Nursing came up with a startling finding: up to 40 per cent of older adults may be chronically underhydrated. "Being underhydrated is a major contributing issue for older adults in terms of accidents that lead to hospital visits," says Hao-Yi Sim, a registered dietitian who works regularly with older adults at the Wellness Institute. "Being underhydrated can lead to a lack of focus, which can lead to falls, and subsequent hospitalization." He adds that a diminished sense of thirst is most often responsible for this chronic underhydration. "As we get older, our thirst sensation decreases," he explains. "Normally, if you feel thirsty, that means you're mildly dehydrated. Because older adults don't get the sensation as readily, it often means they're a lot further along, and are very dehydrated." Besides a lack of focus, dehydration can also cause other health issues for older adults such as reduced bowel movements, muscle weakness and being more prone to urinary tract infections (UTI's). "Unfortunately, some people limit water intake in an effort to control urination and bowel movements," says Sim. "That's not the right approach to take." More often, however, older adults don't make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. That can be due no only to a diminished sense of thirst, but physical barriers that can crop up due to a lack of mobility. That's why strategies must be put in place by families and caregivers to ensure that older adults make a habit of drinking up on a regular basis. "There are several things you can do to help older adults maintain a consistent level of hydration," he says. "If they're text savvy, send them reminders on their phone. If they're living on their own, have a family member check up on them. You can also provide visual cues such as placing a water bottle on the counter. Or just make sure a full water bottle is always available." In some cases, plain water's lack of appeal can also serve as a taste barrier that lessens intake. "If that's the case, add flavour to it with a lemon, lime, an orange, or even watermelon – that will add more interest in drinking. If your mom, dad or relative likes milk or smoothies, provide that type of beverage for them. If they enjoy it, they're more likely to drink it." At the same time, there are beverages to avoid, such as coffee, colas, and alcohol, notes Sim. "One or two cups of coffee per day is safe, but after two cups, coffee's diuretic properties come into play, and can cause dehydration. The same thing goes for colas, which, like coffee, also contain caffeine. Drinking alcohol can also cause dehydration." He adds that intake of sugary beverages like fruit juices, colas and sports drinks should also be restricted, if not eliminated altogether. "They should be avoided, particularly if an individual has diabetes. Any of those beverages should be the type that's low in sugar and replenishes electrolytes. It's also important to be aware that certain types of medication can affect hydration, too." Another simple strategy can also pay dividends: encouraging loved ones to drink at mealtimes. "Reinforce the fact that they need to have a glass of water with every meal," he says. "Just doing a little thing like that can help maintain a good level of hydration." The bottom line on hydration is this: water plays a key role in virtually every body function, from lubricating joints to pumping the blood to the heart, to maintaining self-awareness. Consequently, the importance of staying hydrated can't be understated. "There's a strong link between dehydration and falls," Sim says. "Hydration unquestionably plays a huge role in keeping older adults strong and mentally alert. The result is less hospital visits, which is our goal." A

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