Snacks that Help Keep Older Adults Hydrated

Snacks that Help Keep Older Adults Hydrated

For many caregivers, keeping their elderly loved one properly hydrated is a challenge. It’s already a battle from a physical standpoint—as we age, our muscle mass and kidney function decline, reducing our ability to conserve water. Our sense of thirst also diminishes, leading many seniors to not even realize they need water until their essential fluids are already low. What’s more, those suffering from dementia may forget to eat and drink.

This doesn’t even take into account how some prescription medications can cause dehydration, or how those suffering from incontinence may avoid drinking too much water. With all of these factors to consider, it is important that you go out of your way to ensure your loved one is consuming enough liquids. This, however, doesn’t always have to be a cup of water. Incorporate these snacks that help keep older adults hydrated into your loved one’s diet to keep them as healthy as possible.

Fruit salad

There is hardly a better snack than fruit salad in the summertime. Find what fruits are in-season at your local grocery store and prepare a lovely mix of fruit for them. Try to incorporate whatever your loved one’s favorite fruits are so they will be more inclined to eat them. However, these fruits have the highest water content:

• Watermelon
• Grapes
• Cantaloupe
• Oranges
• Blueberries
• Apples

Raw vegetables with dips

If your loved one doesn’t like to eat raw vegetables all by themselves, they’re not alone. So, instead of reaching for a bag of chips next time they are having hummus, guacamole, or any other dip, reach for those vegetables. Peppers, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, and so many other vegetables make for wonderful vessels for your dip.

If biting into a raw vegetable is too difficult for your loved one, try blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes. This is a faster alternative to roasting them.

Smoothies

While eating fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure one’s fluid intake without drinking water, there may be times your loved one is resistant to it. Mix things up (quite literally) by blending smoothies for your loved one. Smoothies can include whatever fruits and vegetables you’d like—just blend and go.

Skip adding additional sugar by using 100% fruit juice instead of milk. For a creamier consistency, add Greek yogurt. This is also a great way to get additional protein in their diet.

Applesauce cups

Applesauce gives your loved one most of the benefits of a traditional apple without the struggle of biting into the fruit. For the ease of your loved one and yourself, purchase applesauce cups for a perfect, single serving.

While the unsweetened variety is obviously the healthiest option, if your loved one needs to be coaxed into staying hydrated you may need to resort to a variety with cinnamon and sugar. If that is the case, try to purchase an organic option.

Popsicles

Sometimes, it can be difficult to convince an elderly person suffering from dementia to do something they don’t want to do. However, many in those positions are happy to indulge in a treat. If this sounds like your elderly loved one, enjoying a fruit Popsicle is a good way to ensure they are getting enough water.

When choosing your frozen treat, make sure you choose an option that isn’t all sugar. Look for popsicles that…

• List real fruit as the first ingredient
• Have limited added sugar
• Contain no gums or thickeners
• Use no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colors

Jelly Drops

Jelly Drops were developed specifically with senior citizens in mind. The creator, Lewis Hornby, was inspired to create this water candy for his grandmother who was struggling to hydrate. The colorful snacks resemble gummy candy but are actually made of 95% water. They are gluten-free and sugar-free, making them a great alternative for older adults who struggle to get enough water.

An at-home caregiver can help your loved one stay healthy

No matter how hard you try, there are some days when it is difficult to balance all the tasks of caring for a loved one alongside your other responsibilities. Instead of struggling to keep up, reach out for help. An at-home caregiver can help.

For 30 years, Home Care Powered by AUAF has supported seniors and their families in the greater Chicago area. Our caregivers provide seniors with the compassionate non-medical care they require to age in the comfort of their homes. For more information on our services, give us a call at 773-274-9262.