Hydration is super important for all of us, but it’s especially important for our senior citizens – particularly in the summer. But even if it’s in the middle of winter, drinking enough water is still important for the elderly.
Sure, older adults probably have health and nutrition needs that seem more pressing. But honestly, not drinking enough water can easily complicate any other condition you may have, and make you feel even worse.
Plus, it’s more important that senior citizens stay mindful of proper hydration because they experience less thirst than younger adults – even though their body doesn’t need less water. So, they end up drinking less water and depriving their bodies of what they need.
Here’s how older adults can stay hydrated and drink plenty of the good stuff.
Get in the Habit of Drinking Water Throughout the Day
It’s easy to say “just drink more water,” but older adults don’t get as thirsty, so the impetus isn’t there as much.
So, instead, get in the habit of sipping on water throughout the day. Get a nice, quality water bottle, keep it filled, and take sips. Soon, you’ll get into the habit of drinking the water you need – and it’ll be automatic, since you’ll develop a healthy habit.
Additionally, studies have shown that merely having water near you at all times increases your water intake. So, keep that bottle handy.
Eat More Fruits and Veggies with High Water Content
We naturally think you should be drinking water all the time. But you can supplement drinking water by eating it – or, rather, eating foods that have a lot of water in them. And few foods have higher water content than fruit and select veggies.
Fruits like watermelon and grapefruit have high water content. So do foods like celery and cucumbers. Other hydrating foods include tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, and oranges.
(Bonus: Drink lots of skim milk. Skim milk is not only 91% water; it’s also full of calcium and other goodies.)
Deliver Water at the Right Temperature
Finally, it’s a lot easier to drink plenty of water if it’s served at the right temperature.
Some like it cold. Some like it ice-cold. Some like it room temperature. Find out how you like it, or how your senior citizen likes it, and offer up plenty of water at that temperature. That’s one simple, yet underutilized way to help people drink more water.
Senior citizens don’t want to deal with the nasty side effects of dehydration, so helping them stay hydrated by drinking water can help them feel better at all times.
Water Way supplies fresh, clean drinking water for homes and offices. Learn more or talk to us about setting up a delivery.