We’ve all heard the familiar phrase, “Drink eight glasses of water a day.”
Staying hydrated, especially in the summer heat, is easier said than done for senior adults. As we age, our bodies change how we process water, making it increasingly difficult to not only consume water but retain a proper amount of it in our bodies. A more modern approach to hydration is to consume one-third of your body weight in water each day as your body uses it to perform essential functions.
Studies have shown that senior adults’ bodies cannot regulate temperature as efficiently as younger adults, putting them at a higher risk for dehydration through sweating. Other dehydration factors that come with increased age include changes in body composition, medications, and an overall diminished craving for fluids.
Though there are many factors of dehydration, there is only one real way to become hydrated: drink more water throughout the day. As simple as it sounds, getting the proper amount of water for your body is no easy feat. Our society is on-the-go more than ever, and many adults simply do not take the time to properly hydrate as they go about their day. Here are 3 simple ways seniors can increase hydration:
- Make it “fun:” turn your water consumption into a game. Starting off each week with a new goal for the amount of water consumed in a week can help you stay motivated to drink more water. Even better: ask a friend to hold you accountable or join you in the competition!
- Replace some of your other drinks with water throughout the day. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to only drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Simply replacing some of the drinks you consume with water will help you stay motivated to drink more water while not completely giving up your other favorite drinks!
- Mix it up: add non-sugar flavors to your water. Even though drinking pure, clean water is the best, let’s face it…sometimes you just don’t want to drink it! Adding fresh fruit like lemons or other non-sugary flavors to your water is a great option if you often get tired of the natural taste of water.
Staying hydrated as we age can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to defeat you. Finding ways to motivate yourself to drink more water is the best way to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.