Nutrition and Healthy Aging released the results of a study on hydration in the elderly back in 2017. Some older adults were asked to track what they were drinking each day and how much they had.
This study found that around 10 percent of these adults reported having no more than three glasses of water. About 35 percent said they had four to six glasses, 40 percent reported having seven to nine glasses, and 15 percent claimed to drink nine or more.
Ideally, women should drink around two liters of water each day. Men need around three liters. How well do your parents do? It’s not surprising if they’re not drinking enough. Not everyone does.
Plus, they may have chronic health conditions that require them to avoid over or under-hydrating, making it harder to know exactly how much to drink. They should ask their doctor and track how much they’re drinking and the foods they’re eating to understand if they’re risking their health to dehydration.
Around 20 percent of the water you need comes from the foods you eat. If your parents struggle to drink enough water, these foods contain high amounts of water and can help out.
Berries
Berries have a very high water content, plus they’re high in antioxidants. Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can help with cell health and fight free radicals.
Strawberries are one of the berries you want to keep in the refrigerator. They have a water content of almost 91 percent. They’re also high in fiber, helping to keep water in the intestinal tract and colon throughout the digestive process.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have the highest water content of any item you’ll find in the produce section. They’re rich in potassium and also contain calcium. The water content in cucumber is almost 97 percent.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are technically a fruit, but they’re versatile and do well in salads, soups, casseroles, and sauces. Blister tomatoes with some garlic and olive oil and toss it with pasta for a quick, nutritious dinner.
In addition to having a water content of 94.5 percent, they also contain lycopene, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Together, these vitamins and minerals help prevent cell damage.
Zucchini
If your parents like to garden, zucchini is a crop that usually thrives in the summer. It also has a water content of close to 93 percent. It’s rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also contains fiber, lutein, magnesium, and potassium.
Is It Time to Have Someone Else Cook Meals and Make Sure They Drink Enough?
Ask your parents why they don’t drink enough. It could be a case of them losing track of time. The sense of thirst also is less intense as you age, so they may not realize they’re thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. Elder care aides offer assistance with keeping track of daily routines to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Would food preparation services help your mom and dad remain independent? You can have elder care aides stopping by each week or every day to prepare meals and snacks and ensure they’re eating properly and staying hydrated. Call an elder care agency to make arrangements.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Assistance in Aventura, FL please contact the caring staff at Specialized Nursing Services today. (305) 652-2799
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5734130/