Why Hydration is So Important for Seniors

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Hydration is important

Maintaining and drinking enough water helps boost renal ability and encourages cognitive function in the brain. Hydration is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial for older adults. Dehydration is relatively common among Seniors because of the side effects of prescription medications and diseases that can develop with age, such as diabetes. 

When you’re dehydrated, not only does your body start to shut down by thickening the blood and increasing heart rate, but your mood will also drastically change, and you’ll feel tired and irritable simultaneously. Drinking water regularly will help you feel your best, both mentally and physically, and here’s why.

Water Can Help with Dry Mouth

Drinking water helps to create saliva, which is essential to Seniors with various diseases requiring medications that cause dry mouth. Saliva is critical for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy. Increasing the amount of water, you drink will help create more effective saliva, resulting in a healthier mouth.

Water is Good for the Brain 

Maintaining hydration is important essential for mental function because the brain and body mainly comprise water — 73% of the brain and heart are water alone! As mental processes tend to slow down as people age, Seniors must stay hydrated. Brain cells that receive the appropriate amount of hydration enhance cognitive function.

Water Encourages Urinary Health

Do you live with urinary incontinence? Urinary health is an issue many Seniors face. While the problem might lead people to drink less water, this can aggravate the issue. Seniors with incontinence should practice healthy drinking habits. In addition, taking Confitrol24 and using products such as a male external catheter or female bladder support can help you control the problem of urinary incontinence. If you don’t drink enough water, you can run into problems such as urinary tract infections. Are you a family member or friend of a Senior with such health issues? Consider contacting a home Senior care agency to discover how a trained home healthcare professional could monitor your loved one’s water intake. At-home caregivers can provide medical care when you’re not available.

Water Maintains Healthy Bones and Joints

Consuming water helps soften and lubricate your spinal cord, joints, and tissues. Drinking enough water can help you enjoy exercise and lessen any discomfort caused by conditions such as arthritis.

Water Improves Sleep and Mood

Mental health is driven primarily by the brain’s activity and ability to function. If you’re dehydrated and not getting enough water in the body, your brain’s functioning will start to slow down and not operate properly. Drinking water has also been shown to have natural calming properties, and it’s soothing for people who feel anxious or have insomnia. Maintaining healthy hydration helps eliminate toxins and creates better mental alertness and ability to concentrate. Drinking water also helps you to think faster and experience clarity and creativity.

Staying hydrated is an essential component of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Before you reach for that can of soda, consider replacing it with a tall glass of cold water instead. And if you don’t like the taste of water, add a couple of freshly squeezed lemons or limes for some flavour!

 

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