Good for the elderly
Normal fluid intake A formula used to calculate fluid requirements for older people is: U 100 mL fluid per kg body weight for the first 10 kg U 50 mL fluid per kg for the next 10 kg U 15 mL fluid per kg for each kg after 20 kg.
Most adults need about 64 ounces of fluid every day, but that amount increases with heat and humidity and can change based on various medications and health conditions. A good rule of thumb is to try balancing fluid intake with output.
Here’s Why. Researchers say that as people age, they need to drink more water to compensate for changes in their body temperature regulation. They say dehydration can cause a number of ailments, including muscle pain, fatigue, and heat exhaustion.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men need about 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters of fluid per day. Women , on the hand, require about 11.5 cups or 2.7 liters per day.
Again, the recommendation for older adults is to consume at least 1.7 liters/day, which corresponds to at least 57.5 fluid ounces. In the US, where a measuring cup = 8 ounces, this is equivalent to 7.1 cups/day.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Top Signs of Dehydration in Seniors Thirst, of course. Most adults are well acquainted with the sensation of thirst, but the elderly often dismiss or simply do not to notice this early symptom, which means it’s essential to keep an eye out for other indicators, such as: Muscle weakness . Lethargy.
Older adults are susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, with causes ranging from physical disability restricting access to fluid intake to iatrogenic causes including polypharmacy and unmonitored diuretic usage. Renal senescence, as well as physical and mental decline, increase this susceptibility.
Some common signs and symptoms of dehydration include: dry mouth . tiredness or fatigue . sunken eyes. a decrease in urination. urine that’s a darker color than normal. muscle cramping. feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Causes of refusal to eat and drink may include physiologic changes associated with aging, mental disorders including dementia and depression, medical, social, and environmental factors.
Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating — you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water . Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.
Special Nutrient Needs of Older Adults Calcium and Vitamin D. Older adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health. Vitamin B12. Some adults older than 50 may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12. Dietary Fiber. Eat fiber-rich foods to stay regular. Potassium. Know Your Fats.
A simple way to gauge your level of hydration is to pay attention to the color of your urine. If your urine is very dark and has a strong odor, you are definitely dehydrated and should increase your water intake. If your urine is completely clear, you are likely drinking too much.
You may have heard that you should drink eight 8- ounce (237 milliliters) glasses of water a day (totaling 64 ounces , or about 1.9 liters). That’s the wrong answer. Despite the pervasiveness of this easily remembered rule, there is no scientific evidence to back it up, according to a 2002 review of studies.
Dying from dehydration is generally not uncomfortable once the initial feelings of thirst subside. If you stop eating and drinking, death can occur as early as a few days, though for most people, approximately ten days is the norm. In rare instances, the process can take as long as several weeks.