It is important for people of any age to practice good water drinking habits to keep themselves well hydrated at all times. It is especially important for older adults as their appetite for water will often be reduced with age. Find out more about the different benefits of staying hydrated and why you should change your water drinking habits today.
Eliminate Thirst
As we age, our thirst sensation will gradually diminish. This means that older adults are less likely to realize when they are actually thirsty. This makes older adults more prone to suffering from dehydration and they have to be really careful about their daily water intake.
Improve Metabolism
Metabolism also works differently in older adults as compared to much younger people. While younger people can easily regulate their water balance, older adults usually compromise on their own water turnover. This reason makes it even more important for older adults to stay vigilant in keeping their bodies well hydrated.
Support Cognitive Function
Staying well hydrated is equally essential to support our cognitive function as the brain and body are mainly made up of water. Mental functions tend to slow down with age, so it becomes vital for older adults to remain hydrated at all times. When the brain cells get the recommended amount of hydration, our cognitive function can be well supported.
Maintain Urinary Health
It is common for older adults to experience urinary incontinence. This might lead to many of them limiting their water intake in their efforts to prevent the issue. Little do they know that drinking less water can even further worsen their incontinence problem. Older adults with this condition need to always maintain healthy water drinking habits so as to prevent serious problems like urinary tract infections.
Enhance Digestive Health
Staying hydrated is key to helping us maintain good digestive health. Older adults who suffer from digestive discomfort or constipation need to always drink enough water daily as these medical conditions are often associated with dehydration. Good hydration habits and regular consumption of fiber can assist older adults to ease their constipation problems.
Manage Kidney Health
Our kidney function can deteriorate with age which can lead our body to decrease its ability to concentrate urine. To improve renal ability, older adults need to drink enough water throughout the day even if they do not feel any sensation of thirst.
How Much Water Should Older Adults Drink?
Older adults should aim to take at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other fluids in a day. If you are not used to maintaining a good water drinking habit, below are some steps you can take to ensure you get enough water daily:
- Sip on Drinks: You do not need to consume one large bottle of water at one go. You can sip on drinks throughout the day until you reach the recommended daily intake.
- Replace Snacks: Instead of grabbing an unhealthy snack in the afternoon, replace it with soup or a piece of juicy fruit. Soups and fruits can keep you hydrated.
- Soft, Wet Foods: Consume soft, wet foods that have high water content.
