Introduction:
With age, managing health becomes a crucial aspect of one's life, especially for our elderly and vulnerable family members. Maintaining hydration are vital for maintaining well-being and avoiding potential health complications. However, the elderly often struggle with remembering to drink sufficient water and that's why hydration reminders are helpful.
This is where technology, like Alexa-enabled speakers comes into play, offering cost-effective monitoring and reminder solutions to assist the elderly.
The Importance of Hydration in the Elderly:
For the elderly, staying adequately hydrated is critical. Adequate hydration aids in maintaining body temperature, joint lubrication, and nutrient transportation.
However, elderly individuals often experience a reduced sense of thirst and may forget to consume water regularly, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can result in serious health issues like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
In care homes, hydration monitoring is crucial. Caregivers ensure that residents consume an adequate amount of fluids and monitor for signs of dehydration. However, for those living independently or with family, maintaining hydration can be challenging without consistent reminders.
A tip from professional athletes and coaches
Coaches of professional athletes know that even a small amount of dehydration can have a significant impact on athletic performance.
A study by the American College of Sports Medicine found that a 2% decrease in body weight due to dehydration can lead to a 10-20% decrease in athletic performance. Another study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that a 3% decrease in body weight due to dehydration can lead to a 25-30% decrease in strength and power output. Percentage of performance reduction for each level of dehydration for a 70kg person;
2% dehydration: 10-20% performance reduction = 1.4 litres of water
3% dehydration: 25-30% performance reduction = 1.8 litres of water
4% dehydration: 35-40% performance reduction = 2.4 litres of water
5% dehydration: 45-50% performance reduction = 3.5 litres of water
Like with athletes performance, strength and power in the Elderly can also lead to a higher chance of falling which can lead to further health complications approximately 25-30%. This means that one in four to one in three older adults (over 65 years old) will fall at least once per year, that statistic can increase.
How to stay hydrated
To stay hydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This is especially important in the morning .
A 70kg person loses about 0.7 liters / of water during sleep (1% dehydration) . This is because the body continues to function even during sleep, and this requires energy. Energy is produced by burning calories, and this process produces water as a byproduct.
Add to the morning requirement the amount of fluid required depending on activity level, climate, and other factors. However, a good rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Tips for staying hydrated
Here are some tips for staying hydrated:
Drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Drink more fluids after waking up
Drink more fluids before and after any exercise
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can dehydrate you.
Eat fruits and vegetables, which are high in water content.
Pay attention to your urine color. If your urine is pale yellow, you are well-hydrated. If your urine is dark yellow or amber, you need to drink more fluids.
The Role of Alexa-Enabled Speakers:
Alexa-enabled speakers provide a simple yet effective solution to this problem. They can be programmed to set regular, daily reminders for taking drinking water.
These reminders will continue to play until the individual acknowledges that they have taken their medication or consumed water.
This approach is not only user-friendly but also one of the most cost-effective monitoring strategies available.
It provides peace of mind to family members, knowing that their loved ones are being gently reminded to stay hydrated, even when they are not around to remind them.
My SOS Family Alexa Skill and App:
Segueing into personal safety, the My SOS Family app extends the realm of protection beyond the confines of the home. It is a cost-effective emergency alert app, suitable for lone workers, women who spend time alone, teenagers traveling alone, and college students who find themselves alone frequently.
Moreover, the My SOS Family Skill is available on Alexa, integrating seamlessly into the daily lives of users. This means that when users are out and about, they have a reliable companion in the My SOS Family app, which can be a priceless in emergencies.
Conclusion:
The challenge of ensuring that the elderly maintain proper hydration can be mitigated with the help of technology.
Alexa-enabled speakers are a revolutionary yet simple way to set important daily reminders, providing a cost-effective solution to monitor the well-being of our loved ones.
Beyond reminders, the integration of the My SOS Family Skill with Alexa and the availability of the My SOS Family app offer a comprehensive safety net for a variety of users, including the elderly, lone workers, and anyone who spends time alone.
In an era where the well-being and safety of our loved ones are paramount, embracing such innovative and affordable solutions is a step forward in providing peace of mind and ensuring the health and safety of our elderly family members.
Keywords:
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Best Alexa skills for the elderly
How to get an elderly person to drink water regularly.