Drink Suggestions for Seniors

Stay Hydrated and Filled with Nutrients

Drinking fluids is important for seniors for two major reasons:

1) fluids help seniors remain hydrated and

2) fluids provide a way to increase the intake of important vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients. Fluids help seniors remain healthy.

 

Dehydration

If you take in less fluid than your body needs, you are at risk of dehydration. Dehydration is common in seniors due to decreased feelings of thirst, medications they take, and diseases that increase fluid needs, as well as a general decrease in overall food and beverage intake due to age.

Dehydration can cause confusion, fatigue, hot or cold sensations, muscle cramping, headache, dry mouth, eyes and skin, constipation, dangerous changes to blood pressure, and abnormal blood chemistry (ex: blood sugar, electrolytes).

 

What is a good fluid intake goal?

•  If you are 65 or older, your mission is to get in 2 liters per day, or 9 glasses (1 glass=8 oz.) of fluid.

•  If you have kidney or heart problems, please ask your doctor for specific amounts.

•  Remember that all liquid counts (milk, soup, coffee and tea, popsicles) and some fruits and vegetables too.

 

How does one reach this goal?

•  Drink 1 glass with each meal and one in between meals to make sure you get enough.

•  Keep fluid within arm’s reach throughout the day and stash one in the car or your bag when you leave the house.

•  Your urine should be light in color—the darker it is, the more at risk of dehydration you are.

 

Nutritional Drinks

Nutritional drinks may help fill nutrition gaps in one’s diet. Seniors require a nutrient-dense diet — one that’s rich in protein, vitamins D, B12 and calcium. For those unable to meet their nutrient needs, dietary supplements, in the form of fortified beverages are an option. These protein-rich drinks come in many flavors and varieties to suit specific health needs; however, real, whole foods should always be the first option. A few nutritional drinks a senior might consider include: Nestlé’s Carnation Instant Breakfast beverage, Ensure, and Nestlé’s Boost Plus.

 

Smoothies

Often it can be difficult for older people to chew and swallow their food. If this is the case, smoothies and juices can be the answer to ensuring a senior gets the right level of vitamins and other nutrients in their diet. In fact, certain smoothies and juices can be very helpful with specific ailments:

 

1. Anti-ageing: grapes, blackcurrants and apple juice make a delicious drink packed full of vitamin E and C, which are the most efficient vitamins for fighting against free radical damage, which causes ageing

2. Anemia: to restore iron levels, drink a juice of carrots, cabbage leaves and cucumber

3. Prevent colds: by juicing carrots, garlic and parsley. The anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties of the garlic help to ward off colds

4. Digestion: try juicing pineapple, plain yoghurt and a little water for a smoothie that will restore good bacteria in the gut. Particularly good after a bout of diarrhea

5. Urinary infections: juice cranberries and watermelon for a pink juice drink that can help with urinary infections

6. Prostrate problems: melons are gently diuretic and contain magnesium and potassium, which help to balance the hormonal system. Juice the melon with an apple and broccoli, the latter of which contains anti-cancer nutrients

7. Joint pain: can be alleviated by juicing leeks, which have great anti-inflammatory properties, with carrots and parsley

8. Anti-inflammatory: leeks have great cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. Juice the leeks with apples and ginger, which will stimulate the circulation and can ease joint pain

9. Heart and circulation: Juice blackcurrants with spinach, which is packed full of potassium, to help control blood pressure

10. Constipation: juice tomatoes, spinach and carrots, which are all high in fiber and will help to relax the bowels

 

Of course, seniors will always want to consult a qualified medical professional regarding any medical issues and before making any dietary changes.

 

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