Why hydration is important

How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health

As we get older, our sense of thirst may decrease—which means the best time to pour that next glass of water is before you get thirsty, especially in the summer heat. What is the meaning of “hydrated”? Being hydrated simply means that your body has enough fluids to function properly. According to the American Heart Association, the amount of water each person needs can vary.

What is dehydration??

Dehydration is a potentially serious condition that can occur when you don’t consume enough fluids for your body’s needs. This can lead to health complications ranging from mild to life-threatening, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), heat stroke, heart problems, kidney failure, and blood clot complications. Since dehydration affects the health of your cells, it can also lower your body’s ability to ward off infections and heal from injury or illness.?

Why dehydration is more likely to affect older adults?

As we age, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing found that up to 40% of elderly people may be chronically underhydrated.

Seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration for a number of reasons:?

• Appetite and thirst tend to diminish with age. This means that even when the body is craving fluids, they might not be aware of it—and they may drink less than they need to stay healthy.?
• Older adults experience body composition changes over time that leave them with less water in their bodies to start with.?
• Seniors are more likely to take medications that increase dehydration risk.?

Additionally—according to a recent study—older adults' bodies don't regulate temperature as efficiently as those of younger people.1 This means that during exercise or activity, seniors are more likely to become dehydrated through sweating.?

How to stay hydrated every day?

There are simple steps seniors can take to get the water their body craves. Below are some ideas to get started:?

Choose foods with high water content. These include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and celery. Soups, broths and stews are also a good way to boost fluid intake, especially in the colder weather.

Keep water on hand, always. Having hydration at their fingertips can make it easier to get the right amount of fluids. Carry a refillable water bottle wherever they go.

Build hydration into their routine. Making it a point to drink water at certain times each day can help transform it into a healthy habit. For example, consume a glass of water when they wake up in the morning, after every meal, and before and after exercise or activity.??

Looking for additional tips on how to stay hydrated, ask a healthcare provider. Remember, it’s best to talk to their doctor to determine how much water they should be drinking daily. Getting enough water each day is an easy yet vitally important way to stay healthy and active as an older adult.??

For more information on the in-home services Touching Hearts at Home can provide your loved one, please call (315) 503-4896.