SOSMagJulySeptember2021

Did you know that your thirst changes in later life? I interviewed Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi, Cleveland Clinic Endowed Chair for Geriatric Innovation, about common physical changes that occur in the body of one who is age 80+, compared to one who is age 65. He said there are many changes that occur in the body over that 15-year period, one of which is thirst. He said, “As we progress from age 65 and 80 years old – especially after the age of 80 -- the thirst signal becomes very diminished or completely goes away. This means, a person at age 80 can be dangerously dehydrated and not even know it. Instead of feeling thirsty, the older person feels symptoms of being light-headed or dizzy. In more serious cases of dehydration, he/ she will actually faint.” Dr. Hashmi explained that these symptoms are occurring because certain bodily functions are starting to shut down, caused by the dehydration. To counter-act this physiological phenomenon in later life, Dr. Hashmi advises that people of older age, chiefly those 80 years old +, should schedule themselves to drink fluid at regular intervals even though they do not feel thirsty. Just as a patient follows a schedule when taking certain medicines What You Didn’t Know About Aging By Sue Daugherty to treat a health problem, think of drinking fluid as a form of preventative medicine. For example, drinking enough fluid could prevent falling and breaking a hip or striking your head on the floor. For those who are not diagnosed with congestive heart failure, “The medical guidance for the amount of fluid to drink per day is 64 ounces. If you can’t drink 64 ounces/day, 48 ounces also has preventative health benefits, too.” he said. “Beverages with caffeine or alcohol do not count. This is because caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect, which promotes dehydration.” Dr. Hashmi went on to say, “Water is the best thing to drink. I have found for most of my patients say, it is difficult to drink that much water. So it can be flavored water, fluids with electrolytes or your favorite juice.” He also advises to drink as much of the fluid in the morning and the afternoon – not in the evening. “Drinking more fluid will cause a person to use the bathroom more often. So drink your fluid early enough in the day so it does not interrupt your sleep at night.” Knowing that older Americans are most likely to be targeted for a “Home Improvement Scams”, Serving Our Seniors sought out the help of retired Police Sergeant, Chris Rankin. Chris works in our office researching names of people who are reportedly professionals at home improvement or owners of a home improvement business. Chris uses his skills to help us identify those who have a history with law enforcement and/or the court system, by researching public records. If you are thinking about hiring someone to work at your home give Serving Our Seniors a call, first. We can share with you the public record information of the person you are considering to hire. Retired Police Sergeant Chris Rankin Helps Us Protect YOU Against Home Improvement Scams Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi 10