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Proper Hydration Is a Key Factor in Maintaining Senior Health and Wellness By Joshua Raymond, MD As we age, our health care maintenance needs increase. With these added responsibilities, Joshua Raymond, MD, such as heart board-certified health, blood physician pressure and cancer prevention, seniors can often overlook a simple but important element to everyday good health—proper hydration. Dehydration is a frequent cause of illness and even death in elderly people for several reasons. Some common medications (diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs and some psychiatric drugs) may cause water loss. Additionally, the sense of thirst becomes weaker with age; and some seniors have a difficult time mobilizing to get a drink. Some people claim they just don't like to drink water. That's fine: There are many other options that accomplish the same task—such as flavored waters, milk, decaffeinated teas and electrolyte-rich beverages (that don't contain unnecessary sugars). Keep in mind, you can also get hydration from foods, including fruits, vegetables, flavored gelatins and water-based soups. CentraState Medical Center's Family Medicine Center offers primary health care to people of all ages. In addition to family and geriatric physician specialists, the staff includes nurses, certified medical assistants and clinicians, as well as a www.centrastate.com WARNING SIGNS Seniors, caregivers and health care professionals should be on the lookout for signs of dehydration in the elderly. Symptoms can include sudden confusion, dry mouth, sunken eyes, inability to sweat, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure or dark yellow urine. A good way to check for dehydration is to pull up the skin on the back of the hand for a few seconds; if it does not return to normal within a few seconds, the person may be dehydrated. OVER-HYDRATING Anything and everything in excess is usually harmful, and the same can be said for water. With age, kidneys become weaker and may not be able to eliminate excess water effectively. Also, with limited physical activity, older people sweat less and water loss may decrease. Accumulation of too much water in the body can cause swelling and even pulmonary congestion (excess fluid in the lungs or congestive heart failure). It can also decrease sodium levels, which may lead to confusion and a potential misdiagnosis of a neurological disorder. Talk with your doctor about your own specific hydration needs. A personalized daily guideline will be set based upon your size, health, fitness, medication use and medical history. Share this information with family and caregivers, if applicable. Most dietitian, social worker and psychologist. Senior services affiliated with CentraState Healthcare System includes Applewood Estates, an active continuing care retirement community; Monmouth Crossing, an award-winning assisted living residential importantly, keep track of your hydration every day—you will be surprised how much healthier you will look and feel. community; and The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center, a short-term rehab and long-term skilled nursing facility for seniors and adults over age 18. To learn more, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727), or visit www.centrastate.com. Summer 2013 9