Drinking plenty of water every day is key for seniors to remain healthy and active.
Besides the many health benefits, everyone needs water throughout the day just to survive.
Water balance is important for our every day bodily functions.
Some older folks just don’t drink as much water as they did in their youth.
I think we just forget.
I personally try to drink filtered water if it’s available because it usually tastes better and has gone through a few extra steps for purification.
I am not a doctor, so consult your physician before trying anything new.
Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Energy Levels:
Water helps to maintain energy levels by increasing circulation and providing essential nutrients throughout the body.
It also helps regulate body temperature, eliminating fatigue caused by dehydration according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Did you know that drinking over 6 glasses of water a day can lower your blood pressure?
Another way to prevent dehydration is to eat water rich foods.
Watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are good examples and they taste good.
If you have a high level of physical activity, you’ll have more fluid loss and you are also burning more calories.
Have you ever noticed after physical activity, you’re not that hungry, but you crave water?
If you feel thirsty, drink water…of course you’ll need to replenish the calories too.
By drinking more water, you will have more control over your body weight by having the sensation that you don’t need to eat as much.
My eating lifestyle is Intermittent Fasting, which allows me to drink water, tea, and black coffee during my fast…it really curbs the hunger pangs.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Drinking water can help seniors to stay focused and alert.
The water helps cleanse toxins out of the body, which can result in clearer thinking and improved cognitive or brain function.
Your body needs water to make your brain cells function properly.
Older adults seem to be at higher risk for all kinds of health conditions.
Improved Digestive Health:
Water is essential for digestion, as it helps break down food and carries essential nutrients throughout the body.
It also helps flush toxins from the digestive system, promoting regularity and reducing constipation.
Dark colored urine is commonly related to mild dehydration.
Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and can lead to heat stroke in extreme conditions, so that’s why it’s important to stay hydrated.
Water will increase your body’s ability to have frequent bowel movements.
Better Skin:
Drinking water flushes toxins from the body, which can help reduce acne and other skin issues.
It also helps keep skin hydrated and soft, reducing wrinkles and age spots.
I don’t know about that…I drink a lot of water and still have age spots.
The suggested daily fluid intake is about 13 cups or 104 fluid ounces.
Some people keep a refillable water bottle close by to have enough fluids on hand throughout the day.
Improved Heart Health:
Water is important for circulation, as it helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the heart.
It also helps reduce water retention, which can lessen the burden on the heart.
Reduced Risk of Disease:
Drinking plenty of water helps keep organs like the kidneys functioning properly, reducing the risk of disease.
It can also help flush toxins from the body and improve immunity, helping seniors stay healthy.
Lemon water:
Plain water is good for you and promotes kidney function, but think about squeezing a lemon into a glass of water.
Drinking water with lemon can provide additional benefits for seniors.
The vitamin C in the lemon helps protect cells from damage, while the antioxidants help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.
Calcium build up adds an increased risk of kidney stones.
According to Select Health Organization, the citrate in lemons helps prevent the buildup of calcium that causes these stones.
To stay hydrated without over-drinking, seniors can try adding lemon to water.
Lemon water is a healthy alternative to drinking plain water and offers additional benefits, such as improved skin appearance, weight loss support and reduced inflammation.
Caution – Drinking Too Much Water Can Be Dangerous
How much water is enough water? Then again how much water is too much to promote overall health.
Seniors should take caution when drinking water especially with certain medical conditions.
Although water is essential for health, seniors should be mindful that drinking too much water can have a negative effect on their body.
There is a condition called Hyponatremia that happens when you drink too much water.
It puts your sodium levels out of balance and can cause some serious problems.
Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause water intoxication, which can lead to headaches, confusion and even coma.
Seniors should also watch their water intake if they’re taking certain medications or supplements.
Your doctor will be able to give you the correct course of action.
Conclusion
Overall, water is essential for good health and hydration in seniors.
But water should be consumed in moderation and never replace other healthy fluids.
If you have a sense of thirst, drink some water to prevent even mild dehydration.
As we age, staying healthy should be a top priority for all of us.
By drinking water every day, older adults can enjoy improved energy levels, cognitive function, digestive health, heart health, skin health and a reduced risk of disease.
Lemon water is also a great way to receive additional nutrients and antioxidants.
With these simple tips, seniors can stay healthy and active for years to come!