4 Reasons Seniors Should Stay Hydrated

Our bodies are over 70% water, so the importance of drinking enough H2O goes far beyond cooling down on a hot day or quenching your thirst. The human body needs to be properly hydrated to function. Not enough water can affect things like muscle function, joint and brain protection, immune health, digestion and even mood. 6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Here are just a few reasons it’s important to get your eight* glasses of water a day!

  1.  Keep Bladder and Kidneys Healthy –
Because water helps to flush out any unwanted microbes, well hydrated people have fewer bladder or kidney infections.
  2.  Weight Control –
Drinking water instead of soda or sugary juices helps eliminate empty calories from your diet.
  3.  The (Drinking) Fountain of Youth –
Keeping hydrated helps ensure that your skin keeps elastic, that it can properly rid itself of toxins, lessening your risk of conditions like dermatitis, aging skin and infection.
  4.  Maintaining Energy Levels –
Water is essential to the biological processes that turn food and stored fat into energy. If there isn’t enough water to make that happen, lethargy and sleepiness can follow.
  5.  Mood Enhancement –
Feeling a little grumpy? Make sure you’ve had enough water, since it aids in body regulation and brain function, which is related to balancing mood and emotions.
  6.  Keeping on the Move –
Most of the padding in cartilage is made up of water, so if we don’t drink enough of it, our bones will feel stiff and our joints sore. Getting enough water also helps joints bounce back faster after workouts, and expedites healing of injuries.
* Your water needs may vary — please ask your doctor about your optimal water intake.