Many seniors don't realize the importance of drinking adequate amounts of water every day. Water helps to maintain proper hydration, digestion, cognitive functions, and skin health among other things. To make sure you remain as healthy and active as possible, you need to stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water regularly.
Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is something that our bodies need to stay healthy and hydrated. Without an adequate amount of water in the body, organs can't function properly. This leads to a host of health issues, including fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, raised heart rate, dry skin, and constipation. When we drink enough water regularly it helps us remain hydrated allowing our organs to do their jobs more efficiently.
How Much Water Should Seniors Drink?
The general rule of thumb for healthy individuals is to drink 8-10 glasses of clean water per day. However, the amount that you need can change based on several factors, such as activity level, climate, and even medical conditions. For example, if you sometimes experience incontinence, then adjusting your water intake can help in managing it more effectively. You'll usually know you're drinking enough if your urine is clear.
Other factors that may require adjustments to your daily requirement include engaging in vigorous outdoor activities or spending time outdoors during hot months when excessive sweating takes place. In these instances, you'll need to replenish lost fluid by drinking more water than usual. The same applies when taking medications that often have diuretic effects that reduce the body's water stores. These types of scenarios call for extra consumption above and beyond the standard recommendation.
Tips for Increasing Water Intake
If the thought of drinking multiple glasses per day seems too intimidating, here are some practical tips to help you meet your daily requirement:
Carry a Water Bottle
Having a water bottle on hand at all times will make it easier for you to keep track of how much water you're drinking throughout the day. Filling up your container in the morning and keeping it close as you go about your activities can help ensure that you stay properly hydrated.
Add Flavor to Your Water
Adding flavorings such as berries, cucumber slices, and herbs like mint or lemon give water more personality and makes it easier for seniors to drink their recommended amount each day. Infused water tastes refreshing and packs in even more nutrition.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Many natural foods offer high amounts of water content which help provide extra hydration over and above what would be provided by plain old glasses of H2O itself! These include fruits, such as watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries. Many vegetables meet the mark as well, such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes.
Set Reminders
Even when armed with these strategies, you may still forget or put off hydrating yourself appropriately due to a busy lifestyle. To remind yourself to drink, set reminders. Add an alarm to your phone or write it out on a calendar.
Reach Out to Senior Helpers Greater League City - Galveston, TX
At Senior Helpers Greater League City - Galveston, TX., we believe staying hydrated every day is a priority for seniors. We are always here to offer support and assistance in any way you may need related to your health and overall well-being. Whether it's helping you remember to stay hydrated or providing extra companionship after a hospital stay - we're dedicated to keeping you safe at home with kindness, respect, and whatever support is necessary. Contact us today if you're in Galveston, League City, Dickinson, Lake Jackson, Dayton, Angleton, or Bay City.