Are you wondering how much water your senior loved one should drink each day? As a well-established in-home senior care company in St. Charles, St. Peters, Chesterfield, Ballwin, West County, South County, and Jefferson County, Senior Helpers St. Charles is here to provide you with the helpful answers you need.
In this post, we'll take a look at how much water senior adults should be drinking, how to make water consumption more appealing, and what foods will contribute to your elderly loved one's daily water intake. Let's get started!
How Much Water Should Senior Adults Drink?
The general recommendation is that adults should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. That's a total of 64 ounces of water daily. However, adults should drink water if they are thirsty, and not everyone needs the same amount of water daily. Senior adults typically have a lower level of thirst sensation, and they may not be aware when they are becoming dehydrated. If a senior doesn't feel thirsty, then it's important to remind them to drink enough water to stay properly hydrated.
How to Help Seniors Stay Hydrated
To make it easier for seniors to get as much water as they need throughout the day, here are some tips you can try out.
Carry a Water Bottle
To help remind senior adults to drink more water, it's best to have a water bottle or cup nearby. For those who are able to, it's best to get an easily portable container like a stainless steel or insulated tumbler with a straw. For those who need assistance, an easy-to-grab cup can help them to easily drink water throughout the day.
Add Flavor to Water
Drinking plain water can be boring and unappealing. To make it more enjoyable, try adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, or other fruit juices to the water. This will give it a flavor and help to make it more interesting and palatable. Senior adults will love the variety and fun of flavored water!
Eat Water-rich Foods
Fruits and vegetables are naturally full of water, which can contribute to the overall water intake of a senior adult. Some of the most hydrating fruits and vegetables include watermelon, strawberries, oranges, celery, spinach, and cucumbers.
Drink More Water in Hot Weather
In hot weather, the body sweats more, so it's important to ensure seniors are drinking enough to stay properly hydrated. Senior adults should drink even more water than normal when outside in hot and humid conditions to stay healthy and safe.
Get Assistance with Hydration from Senior Helpers
Dehydration is a serious issue among senior adults and can lead to a multitude of health problems. To ensure that your elderly loved one is getting enough water, remind them to carry and use a water bottle, add flavor to their water, and eat fruits and veggies that are high in water content.
For more helpful tips on how to care for senior adults, contact Senior Helpers St. Charles and let our caring professionals help your senior loved one remain healthy, happy, and safe for years to come.