As part of Nutrition & Hydration Week, we held an afternoon information session focusing on foods with a high water content to help keep us healthy. Whilst listening to the talk, residents sampled a variety of foods that help contribute to reaching the recommended water intake each day to ensure their bodies have enough fluids to function properly. As you can imagine, the food tasting was most popular, and the residents commented on how interesting they found the presentation. Did you know that 60% of our body is made of water?! A lot of our water consumption comes from various fruits and vegetables, with water-rich foods helping to keep hydration at steady levels.
Water is essential to almost all bodily functions, from lubricating our joints to pumping blood to our hearts. Older adults are more prone to becoming dehydrated for a number of reasons, including a diminished sense of thirst, so it was an excellent topic to discuss to help educate residents to make good choices when selecting food. Minor changes to a resident’s diet can go a long way to improving health and avoiding dehydration. Hydration is not only essential for a healthy body but is also vital for a healthy mind.
Sophie, Facilities Manager, said, “The residents showed much interest in the talk and asked many relevant questions. A better understanding of the importance of being well-hydrated allows our residents to make good choices and be involved in their care. These information sessions are well received at the Manor House to educate and raise awareness of important topics that impact everyone. Having extended our service offering to provide specialist care for dementia patients and people with complex mental health conditions, we ensure information sessions, and all activities are tailored to suit the requirements of all residents.”
Seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration for several reasons, with appetite and thirst diminishing with age. At the Manor House, we ensure there are many opportunities for residents to hydrate throughout the day. Well-planned meals and snacks ensure residents reach the recommended levels of hydration.
Cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and celery are water-rich foods. Soups, broths and stews are excellent ways to boost fluid intake and are popular with residents over the colder months. Milk is more hydrating than water, so breakfast is an ideal opportunity to start the day by adding milk to cereal and tea. Mid-afternoon snacks such as milkshakes also help boost hydration. A glass of water at residents’ bedsides ensures they can top up their hydration levels if needed through the night.
The Activities Team has lots more informative sessions planned over the coming months. As always, we welcome family and friends to come along.
