No matter what time of year it is hydration is a key factor to health. Dehydration leads to many unwanted mishaps with seniors. Stay strong and active by maintaining hydration and maintaining a healthy intake of protein.
Seniors Can Stay Healthy with These 2 Nutrition Tips
Doctors advise us on most of our health concerns, but when it comes to diet it can be difficult to put their wise words into action. Seniors might be told to do certain things when it comes to nutrition, but lack in getting further information to understand how and why they should do this.
This can create a misunderstanding in maintaining healthy nutrition, so how can seniors make it happen in their everyday lives:
Stay Hydrated
Use these tips to reach your hydration goal:
- With each meal drink 1 glass of fluids and in between meals, drink a glass as well.
- Throughout the day carry a water bottle with you to always make sure you have fluids around.
- Have back up water bottles in the car or bag while you are out and about.
- Keep a lookout for the color of your urine, it should be a light color and not dark.
How Much Do You Need to Drink?
Seniors at 65 or older should be drinking 2 liters of water a day, which equals around 9 glasses of fluid. If a senior is dealing with heart or kidney problems they should advise a doctor how much fluid they should intake. Remember liquids don’t only mean water, but soups, tea, milk, and popsicles.
Health Factors of Hydration
Many seniors don’t drink enough liquids and by the time they are thirsty, that’s already an indication of early dehydration. Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among elderly people.
Seniors are also at greater risk for dehydration because of how body composition changes with age. Older adults have less water in their bodies to start with than younger adults or children.
Water is necessary for nearly every bodily function, from lubricating joints to regulating body temperature and pumping blood to the muscles. So not getting enough of it can have serious health consequences.
Eat the Right Amount of Protein
The following tips can help seniors reach their protein goals:
- If chewing or swallowing is difficult then seniors have the option of getting their protein in a drink. There are many tasty protein shakes out there.
- With every meal, make sure there is a good source of protein included, also include it in your snacks.
- There are many supplements out there that can help seniors reach their protein goals.
How Much Protein Should Seniors Be Eating?
Senior women should be eating around 45 grams and senior men should be eating around 60 grams of protein a day. Although, exact amounts should be discussed with a doctor.
What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Enough Protein?
Without enough protein, your body struggles to maintain its immune system and muscles. This increases your risk of falls, infections and pressure sores, and can make movement challenging.
Protein deficiency in seniors is a rising concern and can cause problems with bruising, dental issues, fatigue, wound healing, and more. Protein foods usually require the ability to chew and cook, and also, eating enough protein may help those trying to lose weight more successful.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
