Winter Hydration Tips for Seniors

Winter brings with it a lot of changes that can affect seniors, especially in terms of nutrition and hydration. Colder temperatures, indoor air, and shorter days can very easily lead to dehydration for aging adults. Ensuring proper hydration helps seniors continue to feel well and helps to prevent illness. Senior home care providers can help aging adults stay hydrated even in the driest winter weather.

Drink Warm Fluids

Cold drinks might not be enjoyable for some seniors during the winter, which can be why seniors start to drink fewer beverages. Making the switch to warmer beverages can be a good solution. Herbal teas, broth-based soups, and even warm lemon water can all be good substitutes. Home care providers can help seniors remember to sip warm beverages throughout the day.

Eat Seasonal Veggies and Fruits

Fresh produce is one way that seniors can get plenty of hydration. In the winter, there are still seasonal fruits and vegetables that offer hydration. Root vegetables, squashes, and even citrus foods can all be good choices. They’re also high in fiber content and antioxidants, which boost overall health even more. Some of the nutritious options for seasonal produce include carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and dark leafy greens.

Infuse Water with Flavors

Infused waters, like tea, are always a good choice. If seniors are open to cooler drinks, then fruit-infused waters add a little flavor while getting that necessary hydration into their diet. Good options include berries, cucumbers, or citrus fruits. Letting the fruit slices sit in a pitcher of water, preferably in the refrigerator, for a few hours is an easy way to infuse the water.

Choose Comfort Foods

Winter is the perfect time for comfort food, especially soups, stews, and casseroles. The good news is that these dishes can also be excellent for hydration. Soups and stews have a high water content in them. Adding lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of vegetables packs them full of nutrients. These meals are easy to prepare with the help of senior home care providers. They can also be portioned for the freezer, making them easy for seniors to grab whenever they’re ready.

Healthy Fats Add More Hydration and Nourishment

Healthy fats sometimes get ignored in nutritional talks because people worry about eating fat at all. While some seniors do need to limit the fat that they eat regularly, it isn’t necessarily bad for them overall. The fats that seniors can get from avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts and seeds all offer vital nutrition that supports brain health. These foods also offer a little hydration that adds into the mix. Incorporating more healthy fats into their diets helps seniors to get plenty of flavor, too, without adding a lot of calories or unnecessary extras like salt or sugar.

Staying properly hydrated during winter keeps seniors healthy, energetic, and well-nourished. Choosing some of these ideas can help aging adults get more hydration, especially when dry indoor and outdoor air makes everything uncomfortable. Senior home care providers can help aging adults track their fluid intake and find ways to hydrate that they enjoy the most.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in New York City, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 646-480-6266