Senior Nutrition: liquid intake and healthy aging

Senior Nutrition: liquid intake and healthy aging

Senior Nutrition: Liquid intake on the effects of aging

dehydration is the exhaustion of the entire body water content due to loss of fluid, lack of fluid intake or both. The following article contains suggestions for seniors and those who look after them themselves or with the help of supervisors. According to studies by European Danone Research, there are several reasons for the dehydration of older people:

1. Muscle mass and water storage decrease with age: This also increases the body fat - a tissue that does not contain water. Four to six liters of body water can be lost between the ages of 20 and 80 (Gile, 2010). Therefore, even lower water losses can lead to dehydration.

2. The feeling of thirst becomes dull: the mechanisms required for blood pressure regulation become less sensitive with increasing age. In addition, neurotransmitters that are involved in the feeling of thirst are reduced, which affects the regulation of fluid intake.

3. The kidney function is impaired: the preservation of the kidney water is impaired with increasing age. Averted kidneys cannot concentrate so well and less water. An impaired sodium regulation also occurs and reduces the body to maintain water regulation in the body.

4. Other risk factors: Aging are associated with problems with the neck that lead to swallowing and speech difficulties. People's problems can also occur with caregivers. Dehydration can be caused by too warm rooms. Nurses may forget to give water, etc. In addition, some people prefer to drink coffee or sugar -containing pop drinks, which leads to more dehydration. Prescription drugs such as diuretics and laxatives can also lead to poor water intake.

Prevention of dehydration and the need for stronger surveillance

fluid recommendations: In the USA, the National Academy of Science proposes 3.7 l (1 gal) for men and 2.5 l (0.62 gal) for women every day. The European Food Safety Authority has set a reference value of 2.5 l (0.62 gal) for older men and 2 L (0.50 gal) for women (1 gal = 1 oz). It is doubtful whether these recommendations are followed. A 2009 study showed that 63% of the 65- to 74-year-olds did not meet the recommendations. And at the age of 85, the number of those who did not meet the recommendation rose to 81%!

This constant state of dehydration has led to increased mortality rates in the hospital in the hospital (mentes, 2006). Those who were hospitalized for dehydration had a mortality rate of 50%. Even if they are not admitted to the hospital for dehydration, the resulting lack of fluid increases the 12-month risk of mortality by 16-78%. It was also found that dehydration can increase the risk of repeated hospital stays.

dehydation makes aging difficult with limited cognitive function and more falls. Dietary supplements such as Advocare Rehydrates, Gatoraide and Cytomax cannot be used due to complications due to diseases such as heart failure. The sodium and potassium level must also be monitored in more detail in older people.

Fazit

water is often a forgotten nutrient. It is an important part of nutrition and can lead to a more difficult and unpleasant aging process without sufficient hydration. For active seniors, it goes without saying that water is a must. However, it is sometimes overlooked by the older population and their supervisors. The importance of daily water intake cannot be overestimated.