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Getting enough fluids to drink doesn't sound like a problem. But for older adults, this needs to be a major concern. As you get older, your body's signals get weaker. When you are young, if you drink when you are thirsty, you will probably get enough water. But by the time you are 60, if you drink only when you are thirsty, you will only get about 90% of the fluids you need. The problem continues to get worse as you get older. So after age 50 or so, you need to drink fluids even when you are not thirsty. This is particularly important if you have retired to an area of the country that is warmer than you are used to, such as California, Florida, or the Southwest.
Dehydration can cause serious problems in older adults. Mild dehydration, may cause constipation. Here are some tips to help keep you hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water and juice at meals and between.
- Avoid coffee, tea, and sodas with caffeine.
- Have more soups at your meals.
- Replace lost fluids when you've had vomiting or diarrhea.
- Keep a glass of water to drink while you are watching TV or relaxing.
- Drink plenty of extra fluids after getting even mild exercise.
- Keep informed about medications that might cause water loss.
Copyright © 1997 National Health Enhancement Systems, Inc.
(602) 230-7575. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change
without notice.
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