We all know that drinking more water is good for the body, especially the elderly, because the elderly are more likely to lack water than young people.
As they age, older people's bodies gradually change, and their drinking needs vary. While maintaining a good water balance is essential for the health of older adults, there are some special circumstances that require extra caution when drinking water.
1. Older people are more likely to be dehydrated than younger people.
Older people are more likely to suffer from water shortages than younger people. There are several factors that may contribute to the susceptibility of older adults to dehydration:
Reduced water perception: As older adults age, their bodies may become less able to perceive thirst, and they may feel thirsty less easily, thus reducing the willingness to actively drink water.
Reduced kidney function: As we age, kidney function may decline, making urine concentrations higher in older adults. This can cause them to lose more water when urinating, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Reduced body water levels: Aging comes with a decrease in body water levels. Older people have relatively low levels of body water, so they may be more likely to lose a lot of water on hot days, during exercise, or when sick, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Multiple chronic diseases and drug effects: Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as some medications may increase the risk of dehydration in older adults. For example, diuretic medications can increase urine output, while certain medications may cause a diminished feeling of thirst.
2. The 3rd category of elderly people should not drink more water.
Elderly people with heart disease:
People with heart disease often need to limit their fluid intake because too much water can make the heart more taxable, especially if they have symptoms of edema. Excessive fluid intake can increase the workload on the heart and can lead to serious problems such as heart failure. Therefore, the elderly with heart disease should control their intake according to the doctor's advice when drinking water to avoid excessive water burden on the heart.
Elderly people with renal insufficiency:
Renal insufficiency is one of the common health problems in the elderly, and excessive water intake may increase the burden on the kidneys, leading to water retention and electrolyte imbalances. For the elderly with renal insufficiency, excessive water intake may make urine flow poorly, which in turn increases the concentration of toxins in the blood, which can adversely affect the body. Therefore, such elderly people also need to follow the doctor's advice when drinking water, do what they can, and maintain a moderate water intake.
Elderly people with neurological disorders:
Some neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, may cause dysphagia and increase the risk of aspiration in older adults. Drinking too much water may increase the likelihood of aspiration, causing problems such as respiratory infections. Therefore, elderly people with neurological diseases need to be extra careful when drinking water, and choose moderately thickened soups or foods to reduce fluid intake and ensure adequate water supply.
3. How should the elderly drink water scientifically.
Divide it in portions: Try to avoid drinking a lot of water at one time, and instead choose to consume water in portions and evenly to reduce the burden on the kidneys and heart.
Pay attention to the signs: pay attention to the body's water balance, such as thirst, urine color, etc., and adjust the amount of water you drink in time.
Eat more water-rich foods: Eat more water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to get not only water, but also other nutrients.
Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol have diuretic effects, excessive intake may lead to dehydration, and should be moderately limited in older people.
Regular check-ups: Regular physical check-ups, especially for the heart, kidneys, and nervous system, to identify problems and adjust the drinking regimen.
How to drink water healthier.
Stay moderate: Drinking water varies from person to person, but in general, it's recommended to drink about 8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water a day. Older people, exercisers, or people living in hot environments may need more water.
Divide your water intake: Avoid drinking a lot of water at once and spread your water intake over time of day. This helps to better maintain water balance.
Drink water according to your body's needs: Pay attention to your body's signals, such as feeling thirsty and urine color. When you are thirsty, drink water promptly, and dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration.
Choose healthy drinks: In addition to purified water, choose to drink tea, coffee, fresh juices, etc. But avoid excessive caffeine and sugar intake.
Eat more water-rich foods: Foods also contain water, and eating more fruits, vegetables, soups, etc. can help increase water intake.
Focus on special circumstances: Pregnant women, lactating women, athletes, and people with certain medical conditions may need to adjust their water intake for special circumstances. In these cases, it is best to consult a doctor's advice.
Avoid excessive salt intake: A high-salt diet may lead to water retention in the body, so be careful to limit salt intake.
Use a moderate amount of electrolyte drinks: Electrolytes are also included in the water lost during strenuous exercise or extreme weather conditions. Electrolyte drinks in moderation can help maintain the body's water-electrolyte balance.
Avoid excessively hot and cold water: Drinking water that is at the right temperature is more easily absorbed by the body. Water that is too hot or too cold can cause irritation to the stomach.
Overall, maintaining good water drinking habits is essential for maintaining the normal functioning of the body. Adjusting your water intake to your individual needs, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can help ensure your body is getting enough water to maintain overall health.