Senior Helpers East Sacramento is dedicated to helping seniors meet their health and wellness goals. One of the most important components of good health is staying properly hydrated. Dehydration can lead to serious medical issues and hence seniors must drink enough water. In this article, we will provide a simple guide on how much water you need to drink as a senior and how you can meet your hydration goals.
How Much Water Should Seniors Drink in a Day?
When it comes to hydration, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for seniors. Each individual's needs will vary depending on their diet and lifestyle. As a general rule, the Department of Nutrition recommends that men over 65 should drink an average of three liters per day while women over 65 should aim for at least two and a half liters per day.
Hydrate Throughout the Day
It's important to stay hydrated throughout the day and not just drink water in one large sitting. Try carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go and sip from it throughout the day. In between meals, try adding some lemon slices, cucumber slices or fresh mint leaves to add flavor as well as boost your intake of vitamins C, B-6, and flavonoids without adding calories!
Eat Hydrating Foods
Water isn't the only thing that can keep you hydrated. Many seniors don't feel thirsty all the time or might struggle with drinking large amounts of water throughout the day. If that's the case, don't stress. Plenty of foods high in water content can also be beneficial. Fruits, vegetables, and soups are all great options for boosting your daily hydration because they contain large amounts of water along with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, fish such as salmon is highly nutritious and contains omega-3 fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease.
Drink More Water During Warm Months
Dehydration can be a serious health risk during hot summer days and so seniors should always stay hydrated. The best way to do this is by drinking more than the recommended amount of two-three liters and for those engaging in outdoor activities, additional fluids may be necessary. Additionally, seniors should also avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol as it can lead to dehydration.
Stay on Track With the Help of Senior Helpers
Hydration is necessary for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and can play an important role in reducing the risk of serious medical problems. Following our guide on how much water you should drink as a senior, along with eating hydrating foods can help ensure that you stay properly hydrated throughout the day no matter what season it is.
If you need some help meeting your hydration and healthy living goals, reach out to Senior Helpers today. We serve seniors in and around the Sacramento area, providing premium in-home care services. Contact us to learn how we can serve you!