The human body works optimally at youth. Everybody’s organs and senses are likely at their peak performance during this period. However, old age eventually catches up with everyone. At this point, our once vibrant organs and senses aren’t as rosy as we would want it to be. Our appetite for food and the sense of thirst gradually diminish.
No, we aren’t trying to paint a gloomy image of old age — that would be ridiculously insensitive. However, the problem is that many older adults take much fewer nutrients and liquids than the should. They have much less appetite for food and since their sense of thirst depreciates, they barely feel the urge to take fluids. It is not known exactly what causes the decline in their sense of thirst, but dehydration and malnutrition are established consequences of such conditions. Experts believe that in most cases, by the time an elderly feels thirsty, he or she is already at an early stage of dehydration.
Fluids are invaluably necessary for nearly every bodily function, from regulating body temperature to lubrication of joints and blood circulation. This means, not getting enough of it can have serious health consequences. Adding to the problem is that symptoms of dehydration mostly go unrecognized in elderly adults. The bulk of the earliest signs, like fatigue, difficulty walking, dry mouth, and muscle cramps, are not unique to dehydration and could erroneously be attributed to other medical conditions, or even written off as natural effects of aging. This means dehydration could go unnoticed for a long time. Unfortunately, persistent dehydration in an elderly adult could lead to hospitalization.
The best way to avoid this is simple — good hydration. Drinking lots of water is best, but drinking water all day long is a boring adventure. Since elderlies would need a lot of fluids, an alternative and equally effective way to easily replenish lost fluids is through fruits and vegetables. Lots of health-conscious elderlies are resorting to juicing in order to stay healthy and hydrated. Many strongly advocate for juicing both as a stop-gap measure against dehydration and as an effective control measure. But is juicing worth it?
If you’re caring for an elderly or you’re one yourself, the juice from fruits and vegetables is an incredibly excellent way to stay hydrated. It ensures that even when an elderly individual fails to take enough water, the fluids from juices can comfortably augment the shortfalls. Devotees of the juicing community suggest that taking fruits and vegetables with the fibers stripped through juicing could offer the body of elderly individuals a rare break from the rigors of digestion. They also suggest it significantly enhances the absorption of nutrients in elderlies.
Also, for elderlies who take caffeinated beverages like coffee which exhibits diuretic effects, fresh juice is an easy and cheap fix that can offer a fluid balance. Diuretics are substances that increase the excretion of water from the body. Other caffeinated beverages include tea and a wide range of soft drinks.
The “eight glasses of water per day” rule has gained so much popularity with many claiming immense benefits. However, quite a very small number of elderlies, especially those in their 80’s and 90’s can manage a few glasses on a daily basis not to mention eight. So, to help your elderly family members stay healthy and hydrated, ensure to make hydration an important part of their eating routine. Regularly encourage them to take a glass of juiced fruits and veggies alongside regular meals. This would not only provide them with the much-needed fluids but would also serve as a very rich source of vitamins and other essential nutrients.
A word of caution for those juicing for elders is to avoid too many fruits, especially fruits with high sugar contents. For elders with a diabetic condition, this could be very destructive, for those without — it could increase their risk of becoming diabetic. A 50/50 mixture of fruits and vegetables would do nice for juicing, however, it’s usually advisable to go easy on fruits and increase the proportion of vegetables. A 20 percent fruits and 80 percent vegetable combination might look and taste a little too leafy, but it is nonetheless rich in fluids and nutrients to keep your elderly loved ones hydrated.
The stress of preparing fruits to be juiced might seem like much, so, is juicing worth it? If you love your elderly and would love them to live longer and stay hydrated — Yes, absolutely. However, you should always consult a physician to ensure juicing is okay for any person.
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