Preventing Dehydration and Fatigue in Elderly During Ramadhan
Ramadhan is observed as a month of worship, and fasting from dawn to dusk. Fasting serves as a significant practice for many communities around the globe, however, it can be quite strenuous for older people suffering from some pre-existing medical conditions. They often have concerns about fatigue and dehydration while fasting.
Without proper hydration and nutrition, fasting seniors are likely to feel weak, dizzy, or in some cases, suffer from major health issues. A big concern is the increased risk of falls due to lower blood pressure especially when changing postures. This is called postural hypotension.
The elderly can safely observe fasting in Ramadhan while keeping their health status in check with meticulous planning and foresight. Here are some practical tips on how to stay nourished, hydrated, and active while fasting.
Understanding the Risks of Dehydration and Fatigue in Elderly
The effects of aging on the body makes older people at higher risk of dehydration and unexplained fatigue. The level of water a body can retain diminishes, and the thirst sensation also weakens. Older people do not perceive themselves to be thirsty until they are severely dehydrated, making it very important to set and monitor a fluid intake schedule. This may be worse if they have issues with memory or are forgetful.
Dehydration also results in lower blood pressure. The lower blood pressure becomes significant when changing posture from sitting to standing or getting up from lying down. This is called postural hypotension. The delay of blood flow to the head results in dizziness which can cause a fall.
Why Are Seniors at a Higher Risk of Dehydration?
1. Reduced Thirst Perception - Older adults usually do not have the awareness of their thirst until they start to suffer from dehydration.
2. Side Effects of Medication – The use of some drugs, for example, diuretics and laxatives, leads to increased water output from the body.
3. Chronic Disorders – Diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease can also lead to fluid imbalance.
4. Reduced Muscle Water RetentionAge decreases muscle mass, which modulates water storage, thus accelerating dehydration.
Signs of Dehydration in Elderly People:
Parched mouth.
Dizziness.
Severe exhaustion and weakness.
Low urine output or dark yellow urine.
Increase in confusion along with dry skin and eye.
The most concerning symptom is fatigue because it worsens during fasting, during sickness, or with little nutritional intake. Persistent feeling of extreme fatigue among elderly patients could be linked to several factors, including blood loss, lowered glucose levels, or not drinking enough water.
What Are The Reasons That Make the Elderly Feel Fatigued?
1. Malnutrition: The aged individual’s diet with low protein, vitamins and minerals makes them feel weak.
2. Chronic Illness: Extreme fatigue could be the result of anaemia, diabetes, or other disorders such as thyroid issues and heart diseases.
3. Poor Sleep: Due to passing age or aging medication, a lot of elderly people suffer from sleep problems which further makes them feel exhausted.
4. Little Exercise: A major factor that changes energy levels for the older people is the activity they engage in.
Identifying these potential risks makes it easier for family members and caregivers to take precautionary steps, which ensure that elderly are adequately hydrated, well-fed, and have well-managed energy levels.
Helpful Recommendations to Curb Dehydration During Ramadhan in the Elderly
1. Ensure Drinking Water is a Priority During Suhoor and Iftar.
Family members must ensure that seniors drink at least 8-10 glasses of water between iftar and suhoor. This is assuming they do not have kidney or heart problems. If they have these problems they may be advised by their doctor to drink less.
Avoid tea and coffee as they are diuretics and can encourage increased urine output which worsens dehydration.
Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and soups, which help maintain hydration.
Set up a reminder system such as alarms and messages that tell older adults to drink water after breaking their fast.
2. Include Foods That Provide Sustained Energy and Nutrients.
Include complex carbohydrates like whole grains, oats and brown rice as part of suhoor since they are long-lasting energy providers.
Eggs, fish, chicken and lentils are sources of protein, which maintain muscle mass and prevent tiredness.
The healthy fats of avocados, nuts, and olive oil make the body feel fuller and facilitates better absorption of nutrients.
Stay away from processed and high sugar foods as these lead to a spike and crash in energy levels, leading to increased thirst.
3. Decrease Salt To Reduce Water Loss.
Rapid dehydration is a risk when too much salt is consumed, which is why it should not be added to meals. Instead, ingredients can be added in a way which leads to proper nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Avoid eating chips, pickles, and other preserved foods as they are loaded with salt and processed ingredients.
Instead of salt, use lemon, mint, and basil as herbs and spices to flavor the food.
4. Promote Gentle Work and Recovery Resting
Gentle exercise such as stretching or short walks is ideal for elderly as it prevents fatigue and dizziness from overexertion.
In between activities, seniors should take adequate rests and add power naps to their routine in a bid to conserve energy throughout the day.
To make sure that elderly rest without overheating on warm days, make sure that they sit in cool, well-ventilated places.
5. Make Changes to Prescription If Called For (Doctor’s Approval Required)
Older people should go through their prescriptions with a doctor for needed adjustments because some medicines can lead to fluid loss when combined with fasting.
The dose of blood pressure, diabetes and retarding heart medicines may need to be split around fasting schedules.
Qualified healthcare professionals including doctors and pharmacists at Alami Clinic provide counselling on how to safely manage medications during Ramadhan period.
6. Stay Alert for Severe signs of dehydration and fatigue
Extreme thirst along with dark urine and dry skin are all signs of dehydration. Confusion and dizziness are also symptoms.
Feeling weak lightheadedness and having irregular heartbeats are some signs that you are fatigued.
In the event where an elderly individual experiences ongoing symptoms, they must immediately break their fast in order to seek medical help.
Under Which Circumstances Can an Elderly Person Be Excused From Fasting?
Although there are spiritual advantages to fasting, there are certain situations with the elderly where it can be unadvisable:
Chronic kidney disease or any other condition that is associated with excessive water intake.
They experience severe weakness, dizziness, or low glucose levels when fasting.
If they are on multiple medications that must be taken throughout the day.
If their healthcare provider has a specific medical condition in mind that they do not wish their patient to fast with.
If you are unsure of whether medically you can fast, our doctors are trained to help you decide.
Seniors who find fasting to be difficult can seek to alternative methods to donate or even make arrangements to feed the underprivileged, as this is tolerable under religious circumstances.
Conclusion
It is quite satisfying for elderly people to fast in Ramadan with proper precaution. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining good nutrition, and ensuring proper rest is essential to make sure one does not get dehydrated or fatigued. In concern to health conditions related to fasting, we at Alami Clinic are able to assist with medical consultations for elderly patients.