A urinary tract infection is a common condition that often affects older people. There are several reasons for UTIs to develop, including dehydration and incomplete voiding during urination. Here are some things seniors can do to help prevent UTIs.
Drink Plenty of Water
As we age, many of us do not drink as much water as we should. Many nutrition experts recommend having eight glasses per day. Instead, we often quench our thirst with caffeine-based beverages like coffee or tea. These function as diuretics that remove fluid from the body. So, eight ounces of a caffeinated drink yields about four ounces of fluid. Sometimes, we just don’t drink much of anything, as older people don’t feel thirsty as readily as younger people do. Keep track of how much fluid you’re getting to ensure it is adequate for removing infection-causing bacteria from your urinary tract.
Routinely Use the Bathroom
Don’t put off using the bathroom to urinate due to a busy schedule or involvement in enjoyable activities. Maintaining urine in your body gives the germs within it a better chance of growing into an infection. Make a point of visiting the restroom every three or four hours to keep fluids moving out of your body.
Wipe Front to Back
After emptying your bladder, use toilet paper to wipe from front to back to avoid spreading germs to the urethra. Thoroughly clean the area to prevent a buildup of bacteria. If you struggle with urinary incontinence, you might get tired of remembering how to wipe and how often, but cleanliness plays a major role in protecting your body from a UTI.
Talk to Your Doctor
Let your physician know if you are concerned about a urinary tract infection or if symptoms have appeared that make you worry that the problem is developing. The doctor can advise you about other things that can be done to prevent a UTI from developing. Ask about nutritional supplements that could be prescribed to help. Since UTIs are so common, medical practitioners can advise their patients about the best ways of avoiding or treating this condition.
A UTI is generally painful and may keep you running to the bathroom frequently for short bouts of urination until the problem is addressed. UTIs can be serious and even life-threatening. Don’t delay if you suspect you have a UTI, or if you are worried about getting this type of infection.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
