As you age, you might find that you feel thirsty less often than you did before. This does not mean that you do not need to drink any water. In fact, the ability to feel thirst and to conserve water in the body naturally declines as you get older. As such, older adults tend to be at a higher risk of dehydration than any other age group. Dehydration can come in many forms, most obviously from insufficient water intake, excessive sweating, diarrhea, and side effects of taking certain medications. It’s important for older adults to drink lots of water to avoid the health complications and risks that come with dehydration. Here are some tips on how to stay hydrated and healthy.
Keep A Water Bottle Nearby
You are more likely to drink water if you always have a constant reminder nearby. Carrying a water bottle while you are out may seem inconvenient, but it not only provides you with a constant supply of water all day, it also is a cheaper alternative to buying bottled water. If you prefer drinking cold water, you can choose to carry a water flask instead which insulates and keeps your water cool.
Set Reminders
With a smartphone, people can easily set up reminders and alarms for themselves during the day. You can do just that with your water intake. There are even fun apps that encourage their users to drink plenty of water in novel and exciting ways. This continuous reminder can help you with forming a habit of drinking water regularly. Space out your drinking times to be linked with your daily activities like drinking after your daily morning exercise, drinking just before you shower, or drinking after vacuuming the floors. The more you link drinking water with your daily routine, the easier it will be to stay hydrated.
Drink Water When Waking Up And Before Bed
Keep a glass or bottle of water at your bedside table. Make sure you drink at least a glassful of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. This cooling drink can wake you up and keep you refreshed throughout the day. Similarly, having a glass of water just before bed can get you to relax and be in the mood for bedtime.
Try Other Options
If you dislike drinking plain water, you can opt for other sources of fluids. Adding a lemon slice to your water or a few drops of flavor enhancer can brighten up the taste of water and make it easier to drink. You can also go for eating foods with high water content like tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, and iceberg lettuce. Warm soups and broths are another nutritious source of liquid intake.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Be mindful of environmental conditions that could increase your risk of dehydration. If you are on your daily stroll on a particularly hot day, you might sweat more and thus have to drink more water. You can also wear protective clothing like hats and loose clothing when going out to places where the sun might be brighter. This will keep your body temperature lower and reduce the risk of excess sweating.
Why Choose Veranda Club?
Seniors can enjoy a wide range of amenities and services in our community. The friendly and dedicated team at Veranda Club will make sure that you have a comfortable stay, whether you prefer independent living or assisted living.
To learn more about the exclusive senior living programs in Veranda Club, contact us today.
