Leonardo da Vinci said, “Water is the driving force of all nature,” and he was right. Just look at Mona Lisa. Clearly, he insisted she drink plenty of water to maintain that flawless skin. In fact, you might want to pour yourself a refreshing glass of H20 while reading this!
Water is more than just a thirst quencher: it’s essential to almost all bodily functions, from joint lubrication to pumping blood to our hearts. Water is a predominant life force, a vital element to our survival. Simply put, when you are well hydrated, your body can function correctly. When you are dehydrated, it cannot.
At any age, without consistent, appropriate fluid intake, the elegant machine we call a body cannot perform properly. Hydration for seniors is especially important. Our sense of thirst diminishes with age, making it less obvious that it’s time to drink, and ironically, the less one drinks, the less one wants to drink. Add medications like laxatives and diuretics, or health issues like kidney disease and Alzheimer’s to the mix, and you have a recipe for trouble.
Why is staying hydrated so important? Consider this long list of potential dehydration complications:
- Confusion
- Tiredness
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth, lips, eyes, or skin
- Low blood pressure
- Disorientation
- Problems with memory
- Poor concentration
Staying hydrated helps you enjoy life to the fullest. Proper hydration positively impacts the body in many ways, including:
- Regulating body temperature
- Softer skin
- Reduced digestive stress/discomfort
- Decreased risk of falls
- Better ability to focus and enjoy time spent doing things you love
- Higher energy levels
With that in mind, here are some hydration tips for seniors:
Your Favorite Water Bottle: Don’t Leave Home Without It
If we had to choose the most important hydration tip for seniors, it would be this: buy a reusable water bottle. Water bottles come in a wide range of sizes and designs, so finding one that’s right for you is easy. Some are even calibrated to measure your daily volume. Choose one that inspires you and keep it handy – and filled - throughout the day.
Keep it Interesting
Water doesn’t have to be boring! Liven it up with lemon, cucumber slices, or your favorite fruits and berries. You can purchase water bottles and pitchers with built-in infusers. Just add fruit to the container, let it infuse overnight in the fridge, and you’ve got a refreshing, hydrating beverage.
Low-sugar sports drinks and nutritional shakes specifically designed to provide hydration for seniors are also good options. Though you may love your coffee and tea, both can be slightly dehydrating, so don't count them toward your daily liquid quota.
Drink While You Eat
Strategically consuming foods high in water content can really help you reach your daily hydration goals. The following foods are very high in water:
- Lettuce: 96% water
- Celery: 95% water
- Zucchini: 95% water
- Cabbage: 92% water
- Watermelon: 91% water
- Cantaloupe: 90% water
- Honeydew melon: 90% water
Create a Sipping Schedule
Scheduling drinks at certain times of day helps make staying hydrated a natural part of your routine. For example, try consuming a glass of water when you wake up in the morning, after every meal, and before and after exercise. Before you know it, you’ll have added important ounces to your daily water requirement.
How Much Water Should an Elderly Person Drink in a Day?
According to the National Council on Aging, a good rule of thumb is to take a third of your body weight and drink that number of fluid ounces daily. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 50 ounces of water each day. That said, discuss your daily water intake with your doctor, who will consider factors such as medications and health conditions.
Join one of Overture’s 55 and older communities and achieve your health goals with the support of like-minded peers. Staying hydrated also helps you make the most out of the exciting events, outings, and activities that characterize Overture Apartments!