UTI In The Elderly: Symptoms And Prevention

One of the main health conditions that the elderly may be susceptible to is urinary tract infections (UTI). They are quite common among people who are advanced in age and can pose serious health issues. As each symptom may be different for each person, it’s essential to know the symptoms of UTI and be aware of the prevention methods. At Conservatory At Keller Town Center, we provide insights on how you can prevent UTI and stay in tip-top shape. Our team is also here to render any form of assistance, alongside our wide range of amenities, so you can enjoy your time here with us.

What Is UTI?

UTI happens when bacteria enter the body through the urethra – the passageway that transports urine from the bladder. If the immune system is unable to ward off the bacteria, UTI will happen. This is because the bacteria can grow and multiply and spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, bladder, and so on. Women, in general, are more susceptible to UTI as the urethra is shorter. This means that the bacteria don’t have to travel too far to the bladder and cause an infection.

Symptoms of UTI

While these symptoms may not be exhaustive, it’s still advisable to be aware of them. Also, the symptoms may differ for older people, making it difficult to assess if someone has UTI or not.

The symptoms of UTI can be invisible but here are some of them:

• Blood in the urine
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Urine with foul smell
• High urination frequency
• Painful sensation while urinating
• Fever
• Night chills or sweat
• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Dizziness

Prevention of UTI

It is important to prevent UTI. Here are some prevention methods:

• Drink plenty of water: Water is an essential part of preventing UTI. This is because water helps push bacteria out of the urethra and lowers the chance of UTI developing.
• Wear underwear with ventilation: It’s crucial to ensure that you wear breathable underwear that’s made of cotton. This is because some incontinence products, such as diapers can actually increase the chances of UTI from happening. If incontinence products are used, ensure that they are changed regularly.
• Drink cranberry juice: Cranberry juice is a proven way of preventing UTI from happening. This is because cranberry juice contains proanthocyanins which prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
• Avoid caffeine: Some drinks that contain caffeine can actually irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms. Hence, avoid drinks such as coffee and tea to ensure the bladder works well.

Lead an Active Life at Conservatory At Keller Town Center

At Conservatory At Keller Town Center, residents can spend each day with exciting events and activities. We also offer movie nights and educational lectures, as well as religious services. In addition, our activities calendar changes each month, giving residents something exciting to do each day.

In addition to our exceptional activities, residents can stay active and healthy with the help of the Dimensions Health and Fitness program. With this program’s help, residents can enjoy comprehensive wellness services for all ages and skill levels