How Important is Hydration As We Age?

Wondering if you should up your water dosage as you’re getting older? Need motivation to stay hydrated? Curious how hydration needs change as you age? 

Hydration is important at any age and is crucial to anyone’s overall health. However, there are some key factors that make hydration more important and tricky as we age, including:

1. Water Loss: as we get older, we lose water more quickly, making frequent hydration more important now, then 10 or 20 years ago. 
2. Decreased Sensitivity: many seniors may not realize they’re less sensitive to their bodies’ needs and may not feel parched until dehydration has already set in. Drinking water regularly can combat this issue. 
3. Mobility Changes: limits in mobility can make getting a glass of water a hassle; having a reusable bottle of water with you can alleviate the burden. If a trip to the restroom is a bit of workout, drinking your fill of water is less rewarding. To address this, make changes to your home for bathroom accessibility. 
4. Memory Trouble: even in our younger years we can get to the end of a day and realize we’ve forgotten to eat or drink anything! Now that we’re older, memory can be a bigger issue. If you often forget to drink water during the day, put yourself on a simple schedule, like drinking water at the beginning of each hour or having a glass before and after every meal. 

Dehydration can range from mild to severe, just like your symptoms which can include headaches, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and confusion. Chronic dehydration can damage the brain and kidneys, leading to irreversible problems. 

Because dehydration is not just a matter of comfort but can be fatal, it’s important to remember your water today and everyday! 

Here are a few tips for easier hydration:

• Carry a reusable water bottle. 
• Eat fruits and veggies with high water content, like apple and cucumber. 
• Avoid salt and caffeine. 
• Drink water before, during, and after a workout, including walks or a round of golf. 
• Maximize your accessibility to a restroom at home. 

Learn more about the importance of hydration for seniors and senior care and give us a call. As experts in senior living and memory care in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is ready to serve you. And remember, at Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with your family.