Water is an all-important component in our lives. Drinking water is vital to our health and lack of it for more than 24 hours becomes a life-threatening situation. 2/3 of the body consists of water and various tissues and organs in the body are made up of water. As we age, there is a shift in our need for water and thirst for water. For example, you would notice that the less water you drink the less thirsty you are. This can lead to dehydration and serious health complications. If you are a senior, you should know water is essential for you and strive to consume it, even without a thirst cue coming from the body.
Water and its Importance to the Body
The human body consists of 50% water. Tissues and organs in the body are made up of water. 75% of the muscle consists of water, 90% of the brain consists of water, and 83% of blood consists of water. Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen into various cells in the body. It helps with metabolism, helps organs absorb nutrients, regulates our body temperature, and detoxifies our bodies. Water also protects and keeps our joints and lungs moistened. Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration and senior citizens are more likely to experience this due to diminished kidney function. This, over time, can cause various problems including:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Variations in body temperature
- Drop-in blood pressure
- Migraine
- Fatigue
- Sore muscles
- Slowing of the metabolism
- Weight gain
- Toxicity
- Organ failure
- Kidney stones
Most often, these problems could have been avoided by drinking adequate amounts of water. Senior citizens should always make a focused effort to remember to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water on a daily basis. Signs of dehydration include confusion, drowsiness, trouble with speech, and dry mouth.
Getting into the Habit of Drinking Water
Most of us do sometimes forget to drink water. Because we now understand the importance of water and the repercussions of not drinking enough water, we should strive to cultivate the habit of drinking water. Some great ways to cultivate the habit include:
- Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge. It is cool and inviting on a hot day.
- Drink water with your meals. This helps with digestion.
- Ensure that you eat foods high in water content, such as cucumber and watermelon.
- Keep a bottle of mineral water within proximity always. This will remind you to drink it.
- Drink water when you go out for meals.
- Keep a tall glass of water near your TV chair or the computer. When you see it you will be reminded to drink it.
- Keep a track of your water intake until you get used to drinking water regularly.
Certain beverages such as coffee and alcoholic drinks are best followed by a glass of water. This is because such beverages are actually dehydrating! So, after your morning Starbucks and after your happy hour drink(s) – chase them each with a tall glass of water!
Getting into the habit of drinking water regularly is an extremely good habit. You are never too old to pick up good habits; therefore – to avoid problems, you should seriously make drinking water a regular part of your daily life.
Being healthy beyond the age of 55+ will ensure that you get to enjoy the best of freedom, health, and sense of unencumbered life, preferably living in an active senior living community. You may find information on over 9,500 Active Adult Living communities across the USA by browsing our site, ActiveAdultLiving.com.
