If you have an aging loved one at home or you work with the elderly, then urinary tract infections (UTIs) are something that should be on your radar—particularly since they are more prone to having them than younger people. This article will teach you everything you need to know about preventing UTIs in the elderly, so read on!
Drink The Right Beverages
Staying hydrated is important for all of us, but it’s especially important for loved ones in our care communities. Dehydration is one of many reasons our loved ones are at greater risk for developing urinary tract infections. How can you prevent them? Drink more water and other low-acidic beverages. When it comes to beverages, coffee and alcohol are both on the do not drink list—coffee because it can irritate bladder mucosa and increase your risk of cystitis, and alcohol because consuming too much of it dehydrates you. But if your loved ones do drink either of these, be sure to ask them to replenish with plenty of water after so as not to induce dehydration.
Urinate Frequently
While it may be tempting to hold your urine, you’ll want to take frequent trips to the bathroom if you’re at risk of a urinary tract infection. Although urinating more often won’t necessarily prevent a UTI from developing, it can reduce your risk. Urinating frequently is beneficial for preventing and reducing urinary tract infections because urine helps flush bacteria out of your bladder. Bacteria that aren’t flushed out easily can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms like frequent urination or pain in your backside. Also, try drinking plenty of water throughout each day; keeping yourself hydrated will help reduce UTI-causing bacteria as well as decrease discomfort and burning during urination.
Get Moving
If you’re an older person, it’s crucial to keep your immune system strong. When immunity isn’t working properly, bacteria can spread easily throughout your body, resulting in infections like urinary tract infections.. Getting regular exerciseis a great way to boost your immune system. If you aren’t accustomed to exercising regularly, start slow and gradually build up endurance. Always check with your doctor before getting started on a new exercise program. Remember that too much physical activity can actually weaken immune function, so listen to your body! Also, remember that there are many kinds of exercise—choose one that fits well into your lifestyle so you’ll be able to stick with it long-term.
Pay Extra Care to Feminine Hygiene
Women may not consider urinary tract infections something to worry about, but they can be quite painful. And although most cases are treatable with antibiotics, others—particularly in our aging loved ones—can lead to sepsis, which can be deadly. As such, it’s important to pay extra care to feminine hygiene. For instance, women should wipe from front to back after urinating and avoid tight clothing; also, make sure you properly wash your hands after changing pads or tampons. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you might have a UTI (such as burning or pain during urination); antibiotics can save lives if they’re administered early enough.
