Safe and Hydrated: Winter Tips for Seniors

By Dibya Prakash

It was only last December when I received an urgent call from my neighbour, who was in a state of utter panic because her 70-year-old father-in-law had suddenly lost consciousness due to high fever. I rushed over to their house, heart pounding, and was startled to find him lying on an electric blanket with the room heater on full blast.

Realizing the danger, I quickly turned off both the electric blanket and the heater. I gently roused him and offered him water mixed with an ORS solution. Gradually, he began to regain consciousness. Within an hour, his fever also subsided, and he was alert and responsive again.

It turned out that the whole incident was caused by severe dehydration. The combination of the electric blanket and room heater had exacerbated his condition, highlighting the critical importance of proper hydration, especially for the elderly during the winter months.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a deficiency of water and other essential fluids. This might sound trivial, but it’s not. People over the age of 60 often stop feeling thirsty and consequently stop drinking enough liquids. When left alone without reminders to hydrate, they can quickly become dehydrated.

On average, an adult should drink about 2 to 3 litres (8 to 12 cups) of water daily. However, as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, making it crucial for older adults to consciously maintain their fluid intake. The human body should be composed of more than 60% water, but older adults often have reduced water reserves. This decrease is a natural part of ageing but brings complications. Even when dehydrated, older adults may not feel thirsty due to diminished internal balancing mechanisms and cognitive function.

Dehydration is a serious condition that affects the entire body. It can lead to sudden mental confusion, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, angina (chest pain), coma, and even death.

Winter is particularly risky for dehydration among the elderly. The cold weather can dull the sensation of thirst even further. People might also drink less water to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom in the chilly air, unknowingly putting themselves at risk. Additionally, the use of heaters and warm clothing can cause perspiration, leading to fluid loss that often goes unnoticed.

As winter sets in, we should start keeping in mind these small tips to take care of our elderly with more care:

Preventing Dehydration

1. Encourage Regular Fluid Intake: Ensure that the elderly drink fluids regularly. These can include water, fruit juices, tea, coconut water, soups, and water-rich fruits. They should also be made to drink some or the other liquids every two hours.
2. Monitor Fluid Consumption: Keep a close eye on how much they are drinking. Setting reminders can be helpful.
3. Balanced Diet: Include foods high in water content, like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, in their diet.
4. Limit Diuretics: Reduce the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can increase fluid loss.
5. Comfortable Environment: Excessive use of heaters and electric blankets which can lead to dehydration. Maintain a comfortable room temperature.

Symptoms of Dehydration

1. Dry Mouth and Skin: Noticeable dryness of the mouth, lips, and skin.
2. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy.
3. Decreased Urination: Less frequent urination with darker urine.
4. Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or lethargy.
5. Confusion: Sudden mental confusion or irritability.
6. Rapid Heart Rate: An unusually fast heart rate.

Emergency Measures:

1. Immediate Hydration: Give the person small sips of water, an ORS solution, or clear fluids to start rehydration.
2. Cool the Body: If they have a high temperature, help cool them down with a damp cloth on the forehead and neck.
3. Seek Medical Help: If symptoms are severe or the person does not improve, call emergency services immediately.
4. Lay Them Down: Have the person lie down in a comfortable position to prevent falls or injuries due to dizziness or fainting.
5. Monitor Vital Signs: Keep an eye on their pulse, breathing, and level of consciousness until help arrives.

Therefore, maintaining proper hydration is vital for the health and well-being of older adults, especially during the winter months. A little attention and care can prevent serious health issues caused by dehydration.

(The column Metamorph with Dibya appears every Friday.)

Read also:
Aging gracefully: Celebrating life’s later chapters
Adapting to changing nutritional needs as we age
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