How Cold Weather Dehydration Impacts Elderly Patients
It is often said that in winter, we feel less thirsty. But how true is the statement? Winter dehydration is as bad as summer. During the cold season our body doesn’t feel the need to hydrate as frequently as the hot weather. But dehydration is not just a summer problem. To top it off, winter dehydration in elderly people is more dangerous than people realize.
They suffer more due to their weakened immunity and the cold weather, which suppresses their thirst. So, if you have grandparents at home, who don’t feel like hydrating, then this blog is for you. Let’s take a step together for their betterment.
Why is Winter Dehydration Common among Senior Citizens?
Senior citizens have frail bodies with lessened senses due to old age. This interferes with their body signals too. During winter, elderly people’s bodies fail to signal them for winter intake. They do not feel the urge to hydrate and thus fall prey to winter dehydration. There are some other causes of this concerning issue, discussed as below;
Medications and Existing Disorders
Due to the fragile age that our grandparents are in, they have to take a lot of medicines daily. Some of these medications can speed up fluid loss from the body, worsening the situation of winter dehydration.
Imbalanced diet
They sometimes fail to take a nutritious and balanced diet during the winter season! Water-rich fruits and vegetables get ignored and thus they feel less hydrated during the cold months.
Say no to Hot Drinks
The chilly weather makes elderly people resort to hot beverages like tea or coffee. But they are not the best option for them! These hot drinks, however comforting they feel in this season, make them urinate more, meaning more water loss from the body.
Dry Air is the main Culprit
We have discussed how diet and daily habits affect water loss. But the main culprit is the weather-cold dry air-you lose water while breathing. Sweat also evaporates easily further causing more dehydration.
Winter dehydration in seniors is a serious problem and must be dealt with concern and precautions. Here are some common symptoms, to help you identify them in the early stages.
Symptoms and Signs of Winter Dehydration in Elderly People
Here are some early signs to help you identify and prepare better;
Chapped lips and Parched mouth- no it’s not just the dry winter.
Dizziness- Fog like state.
Constipation- stomachache or congestion.
Low energy- check if they feel fatigued.
Change in Urine color- Proper care should be taken.
BP fluctuations- Should be checked at all times.
There are a lot of myths around this rather small disorder. People often mistake these symptoms as just old age. They have no idea how fatal dehydration can get in winter.
How Cold Weather Dehydrations affect existing disorders in Older Adults?
If you think winter dehydration is the only winter health risk for the elderly, then you might be wrong. There is more to it. It has a cause-and-effect relationship with many disorders that are commonly found in senior citizens. It doesn’t come alone but triggers a lot of complications in the elderly.
It can worsen the UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), trigger infections in the kidney, increase blood clot risk, thicken the blood, dizziness, confusion, and can impact the appetite severely. Water deprivation in cold weather should be kept in check. We have made the process simple for you, read the practical solutions given below to help your grandparents this winter season.
What Can Be Done? Early Awareness and Practical Solutions
Here are some easy and effective hydration hacks for seniors t bring in that extra warmth;
Replace cold water
Make sure that they consume more warm water, liquids, lukewarm lemon water, and herbal teas.
Fulfilling winter meals
Include hot soups, homemade dal, steamed veggies, and fruits in their meals.
Remind them to drink water
It is your time to give regular reminders to your grandparents so that they never skip water. Set the water alarms and start with small gulps.
Monitor any side effects
Keep a check on the BP, urine color, and any other discomfort they feel due to loss of fluids.
With these small but consistent habits, you can easily manage this serious issue at home only. But if the problem persists, maybe it’s time for you to pay your doctor a visit.
How to Know if it’s a Medical Emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get serious. Get a checkup done today if you see any of these dehydration emergency signs; Rapid dizziness, fainting, increased heartbeat, BP fluctuations, sunken eyes, or no urination for more than 8 hours. Beware of the fake facts and myths around this illness.
The Common Myths around Winter Dehydration in the Elderly
Some of the common myths that hover around this disease are as follows;
Myths
You don’t need to drink more water during winters
Tea and coffee intake are enough for water levels.
Not being thirsty is normal in cold weather.
Urine color does not matter.
BP fluctuations have nothing to do with dehydration.
Facts
You need the same amount of winter as you do in summer.
No, you still need water, soups, and balanced meals.
It is not normal. Get yourself checked at once.
Urine color matters; monitor it.
BP fluctuations can be a sign of winter dehydration.
Conclusion
Loss of fluids due to the cold weather is a common problem seen in elderly people. Who would have thought a simple daily habit can make so much difference to the health of our loved ones. Some consistent daily habits can have a huge impact on our grandparents' lives. Start by reminding them to drink water, eat healthily, and monitoring themselves.
Winter dehydration can be easily managed and dealt with better approach and preventive measures. At the end, just keep this in mind that keeping your loved ones hydrated can be the warmest gift you can give them this winter season. Happy Winters!
FAQs
Is frequent urination a bad thing?
Not always, frequent urination is normal if a person is consuming more fluids. However, if senior citizens avoid water to control the urge to pee frequently, it can worsen the dehydration issue.
Name some water rich food sources?
Cucumbers, watermelon, orange, papaya, tomato, bottle gourd, spinach, apple, and spinach are some of the water rich food sources.
Does dehydration impacts BP?
Yes, dehydration can impact blood pressure. It can cause fluctuations, low BP levels, and can even lead to heart strain.
How can I find out if my grandmother has winter dehydration?
You can easily find out if your grandmother has winter dehydration by keeping a check on the following signs; dark urine color, constipation, confusion, parched lips, dry mouth, etc.
Is Tea and Coffee enough to keep senior citizens hydrated?
No, tea and coffee alone are not enough to keep the senior citizens hydrated. They still need water, nutritious meals, and supplements to function normally.
Does Winter Dehydration need immediate medical care?
It depends on your situation, existing diseases, and severity whether or not you need immediate medical care. If it has just started, it can be prevented by some precautions and lifestyle changes.