Senior Living Answers
Welcome to our Senior Living Answers section. Here you'll find our ever-growing archive of articles dealing with real-life issues affecting senior citizens and caregivers. These in-depth discussions cover a variety of topics including physical health, psychology, and everyday living and include helpful advice for seniors and their families. Feel free to browse our current library and check back often for new additions--or subscribe to our Senior Living Answers E-mail Newsletter using the link below.
August 2010 Newsletter
Published on August 1, 2010.
In This Issue
Staying Hydrated
Emeritus Resource Blog
Alzheimer's Caregiver Tips
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Water makes up more than half of your body weight, and a person can't survive for more than a few days without it. Why? Your body has lots of important jobs and it needs water to do many of them. For instance, your blood, which contains a lot of water, carries oxygen to all the cells of your body. Without oxygen, those tiny cells would die and your body would stop working.
Top 10 Signs of Dehydration
- Thirst
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased urine output
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
Don't wait for the warning signs...
Drink a glass of water or other fluids every couple of hours during the day to prevent confusion, impaired physical performance and loss of appetite.
Helpful tips and tricks that you can do to keep hydrated during the summer months:
- Instead of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, make "mocktails" by blending tea, water or lemonade with lightly carbonated flavored water, sparkling apple or grape juice.
- Popsicles, sorbets and gelatin desserts are great sources of fluid.
- Add lemon or lime to hot or cold water to give it a refreshing taste.
- Add club soda or seltzer water to fruit juices to dilute their concentration and add a little sparkle.
- Decaf iced coffee and tea are refreshing beverage options to keep you cool and hydrated.
Did you know that our sense of smell and taste naturally declines as we age?
It is crucial for those over 60 to drink enough water. Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization for seniors. As a person ages, total water in the body decreases, and there is often a reduced sense of thirst. A person may not drink enough to satisfy the body's needs (about 6 to 8 glasses a day).
Dry mouth – whether due to medication or simply dehydration – can adversely affect your sense of taste. A diminished sense of taste and smell make food less appetizing.
It is important to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily in order to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Announcing the NEW Emeritus Senior Living Resource Blog
Can't get enough of Emeritus?
Check out the Emeritus Senior Living blog. You'll find hundreds of resources, articles, and tips on various topics. With articles ranging from topics on brain health, senior health, and assisted living services, you'll be sure to find great resources on how to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
Tips for Those Caring for a Loved One Suffering from Alzheimer's or Dementia.
We're Here to Help.
We understand the diverse nature of residents with memory impairments and focus on increased supervision, stimulation, and personal assistance. When Alzheimer's or dementia touches one individual, it touches everyone!
Archived Issues
Archived Issue: July 2010
Published on July 1, 2010
Learn how you can nominate an outstanding Emeritus employee who truly live our family values.
Archived Issue: June 2010
Published on June 1, 2010
Learn how you can save on your monthly rent through one of our senior financial solution providers.
Archived Issue: May 2010
Published on May 1, 2010
Connect with our eldercare expert who can help answer all your senior care questions.
Archived Issue: April 2010
Published on April 1, 2010
Helpful assessment tool to help keep your brain healthy.
Archived Issue: March 2010
Published on March 1, 2010
Helpful tips for you and your loved ones' to write off assisted living services at tax time.
Archived Issue: February 2010
Published on February 1, 2010
Emeritus Senior Living's Valentine's Day Contest. Win a $500 Gift Card!
Archived Issue: January 2010
Published on January 1, 2010
Helpful tips for you and your loved ones' to start off the New Year right.
Archived Issue: December 2009
Published on December 1, 2009
Helpful assessment tool to help you identify areas of additional help when caring for a loved one suffering from memory loss.
Archived Issue: November 2009
Published on November 2, 2009
Connect with our two eldercare experts who can help answer all your senior care questions.
Archived Issue: October 2009
Published on October 1, 2009
Helpful checklist to keep your loved ones safe when the rain and snow start to fall.
Archived Issue: September 2009
Published on September 1, 2009
Helpful checklist to keep your loved ones safe during hurricane season.
Archived Issue: August 2009
Published on August 1, 2009
Helpful tips and tricks that you can do to keep hydrated during the summer months.
