Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups.
As a general rule, you should take one-third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 50 ounces of water each day.
Women should have about 2 litres (8 cups) of fluids a day, and men about 2.6 litres (10 cups). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more fluid each day than other women. Dehydration can happen when the body's fluids are low. It can be life threatening, especially to babies, children and the elderly.
Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups.
Daily fluid intake
The Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
Here is one more reason to enjoy that morning cup of joe: “Coffee counts toward your daily water intake,” says Lauren DeWolf, MS, RD, a registered dietitian with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers. The water in coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages helps us meet our daily fluid needs.
You should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. Here are some simple tips for making sure you reach your goal and get enough water. Sip on drinks throughout the day. Get a reusable water bottle with a straw and fill it with plain water.
You'll feel less hungry and may even lose weight. You'll probably experience more comfortable digestion (less heartburn). Bowel movements might be easier and more regular. Your teeth and gums will be healthier and more resilient.
Water also contributes to regular bowel function, optimal muscle performance, and clear, youthful-looking skin. However, failing to drink enough water can cause dehydration and adverse symptoms, including fatigue, headache, weakened immunity, and dry skin.
Hydration is vital because it keeps electrolytes balanced, blood volume normal, aids in digestion, transportation of nutrients, and kidney functioning. And if your elderly loved one becomes dehydrated, they have the added risk of mental confusion.
Staying hydrated is important for mental function as the body and brain are mainly comprised of water. As mental processes tend to slow down with age, it becomes crucial for seniors to stay hydrated. Cognitive function is enhanced when the brain cells receive the appropriate amount of hydration.
Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it's important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
To meet your fluid needs throughout the day, choose water most often. Remember that other fluids like milk, coffee, tea and juice also count towards your daily fluid intake.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Drink Other Drinks
Besides water, there are many drinks you can have to stay hydrated. You can sip on juices, smoothies, milk, iced tea, or regular tea. However, be mindful of drinks with high sugar content, such as fruit juices, and try to rely more on sugar-free beverages like tea.
Green Tea
Not only is it one of the best drinks for dehydration in elderly parents, but it's also chock-full of antioxidants and natural compounds that help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and even fight cancer.
Drink water.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water. Keep in mind that drinking soda and coffee may increase the effects of dehydration in seniors, worsening your condition. Try to stick to water, milk, or juice.
Electrolyte drinks are beneficial to pretty much everyone, but they're particularly helpful for seniors who are at a greater risk for dehydration and may struggle to get adequate electrolytes from food sources, such as leafy greens, fruit, meat, nuts, and legumes.