The Power of Hydration: Why Seniors Need to Prioritize Water Intake

A person’s water intake affects their overall wellness. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “[E]xperts generally recommend drinking around 9 cups of fluids a day for women and 13 cups for men on average.” Seniors may have a more difficult time ingesting the right amount of fluid each day. Community education and weekly meal deliveries from Lifespring Home Nutrition can help older adults stay properly hydrated. 

Understanding the Importance of Hydration for Seniors

As people age, their body’s ability to recognize thirst cues may decrease. According to MedlinePlus, “Absence of thirst is a lack of the urge to drink fluids, even when the body is low on water or has too much salt [. . .]. As people age, they are less likely to notice their thirst.” 

Seniors face challenges staying hydrated, including: 

• Prescription medications may cause additional fluid loss and contribute to dehydration 
• Dementia and other cognitive conditions may affect a person’s ability to remember to drink 
• Mobility issues may make it more difficult for people to access water throughout the day
• Some chronic health conditions, including diabetes, may increase the risk of dehydration 
• Fear of incontinence may cause some older adults to avoid drinking water
• Some mental health issues may make it difficult for people to focus on remaining hydrated
• Dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties may make it challenging to drink enough fluids each day

Hydration is directly linked to a person’s overall health. Aging affects the body’s water needs and impacts how people stay hydrated. Every cell needs a certain amount of fluid to function correctly. Without adequate hydration, organs and body systems may malfunction or even shut down. A chronic lack of hydration can lead to severe and even permanent health issues for older adults. Healthy, balanced meals increase liquid intake and reduce the risk of dehydration. 

Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration in Older Adults

Older adults and caregivers may not know how to recognize the signs of dehydration, making it more challenging to address underlying issues affecting their daily fluid intake. Some of the signs of dehydration may include physical symptoms like the following: 

• Dry mouth 
• Dark urine 
• Fatigue
• Weakness 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Headaches or migraines
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of skin elasticity 
• Rapid heart rate 

Seniors may also exhibit cognitive and mood-related indicators of dehydration, including unusual irritability and confusion. Dehydration can be a very serious health issue. Individuals exhibiting signs of dehydration should increase fluid intake and check in with a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist or worsen. If the signs of dehydration include any medical issues that affect a person’s ability to function, they should seek medical attention immediately to reduce the risk of severe health side effects. 

Daily Water Intake Recommendations for Seniors

Many people do not know how to calculate the fluid they need daily to stay healthy. As people age, their body’s ability to remain hydrated changes. The recommended daily water intake for children, adults, and seniors may vary significantly. Individuals should speak with a healthcare professional to determine their dietary needs.

What Factors Influence Hydration Needs?

Seniors have different dietary needs, and their amount of daily water intake may fluctuate based on multiple factors, including: 

• The types of prescription or over-the-counter medications they take regularly 
• Their level of physical activity 
• The presence of any medical issues, including chronic disease or conditions

Many potential factors affect how much water a person should drink each day and how much of their fluid intake can come from the foods they eat. Lifespring Home Nutrition encourages older adults and caregivers to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietician (RD) to determine daily fluid intake. 

Overcoming Challenges to Staying Hydrated

Older adults and caregivers may need to take additional steps to reduce the risk of dehydration. Some of the ways older adults can overcome challenges related to staying hydrated include: 

• More effectively managing medications that affect fluid balance
• Addressing mobility or swallowing difficulties to make drinking fluids more comfortable
• Creating reminders for older adults with cognitive issues impacting their memory 

Remaining hydrated is often challenging for older adults due to specific health issues. For example, someone who recently had hip surgery may have difficulty refilling their water glass when they feel thirsty. Identifying the root cause of dehydration can help people address it effectively. 

Tips for Caregivers to Encourage Water Intake

Caregivers are responsible for ensuring older adults get enough hydration through meals and drinks to support healthy body function. A few simple tips for encouraging water intake in seniors include: 

• Using frozen home-delivered meals and other foods to add fluid to their diet 
• Ensuring they always have easy access to water or other drinks
• Offering frequent reminders throughout the day to hydrate

Lifespring Home Nutrition offers a wide range of meal options to ensure caregivers can find meals that will provide additional hydration and appeal to the tastes of individuals in their care.

Dehydration profoundly affects the mental and physical health of older adults. However, seniors may find it more challenging to remain adequately hydrated throughout the day. Caregivers and loved ones can support seniors by making it easier for them to stay hydrated through increased access to healthy fluids and reminders to hydrate. A significant amount of fluid people consume each day comes from their meals and snacks. Lifespring Home Nutrition offers nutrient-rich frozen home-delivered meals that can introduce additional liquid into a person’s diet. Older adults benefit from tailored home-delivered meals. To learn more about our services and tailored meal options, contact our office today by calling us at (800) 798-5767.