No, you should not drink less water as you get older; in fact, staying hydrated becomes even more critical because your body's thirst signals weaken, and you're at a higher risk of dehydration due to physiological changes, medications, and health conditions, leading to serious issues like confusion, fatigue, and infections. You need to actively make drinking fluids a habit, often needing more water to support bodily functions and avoid problems like constipation and kidney issues.
The National Academy of Medicine recommends that men over age 51 drink 13 cups of water daily, and women in the same age range should aim for 9 cups. However, these amounts include all forms of fluid. Others suggest that an amount of water equal to one-third of your body weight is a good idea.
The 7 common signs you're not drinking enough water include thirst and dry mouth, dark, infrequent urine, fatigue and headaches, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, and bad breath, all signaling your body needs fluids for functions like toxin flushing, nutrient transport, and maintaining energy, with urine color (pale yellow is ideal) being a great self-check.
Will you live longer if you drink more water? Not necessarily. While these findings show a link between staying hydrated and healthy aging, they don't prove cause and effect. We need more research to know whether good hydration actually prevents disease or extends your life.
As you age, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and the use of certain medications.
“When we are older, the signals to our brains which activate the thirst center to make us aware that we are dehydrated, diminish. Therefore, we don't feel thirsty and may not drink the amount of fluids our bodies require,” Dr. Habib says.
Signs you're aging well include physical vitality (easy movement, good balance, strength for daily tasks), sharp cognitive function (curiosity, learning new skills, remembering details), and strong emotional/social health (staying connected, finding purpose, managing stress). It's about maintaining independence, a positive mindset, and actively engaging in activities you enjoy, not just looking younger, though good skin/hair can be indicators too.
Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
Drinking water is usually the best way to stay hydrated. But there are times when a drink with added electrolytes can help you recover faster. Examples are after strenuous exercise, activity in very hot or humid weather, or when you're sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
Eating fiber rich vegetables first, followed by protein, and then finished with a carbohydrate is said to be the ideal way to eat to slow aging. Basically, by following this method, your blood sugar will not suddenly spike.
Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones and, in women, urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can also lower your physical and mental performance, and your salivary gland function, and lead to dehydration.
Many people wonder how long it takes to pee after drinking water, but it depends on a variety of factors. Generally, it takes your body 9 to 10 hours to produce 2 cups of urine. A properly hydrated person with an almost full bladder will need to urinate between five to fifteen minutes after drinking water.
If you're thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated, and that can cause signs of dehydration like headache, fatigue, dizziness and more. Dehydration can contribute to life-threatening illnesses like heatstroke.
We grab a bottle of water and guzzle it down, often in one go, to satisfy that thirst. But that's not really the best way to hydrate, says Lindsay Baker, PhD, a senior principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. “In general, it's best to sip a little bit throughout the day,” Baker says.
Drinking more water can help you to burn more calories by regulating your metabolism, which is your body's ability to convert food into energy. By drinking 17 ounces of water per day, your metabolism could speed up by as much as 30 percent.
As we age, it becomes harder for the body to hold onto water, making it easier to become dehydrated. In fact, up to 40% of adults older than 65 experience chronic dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, confusion and serious health problems such as life-threatening infections.
7 Healthy and Nutritious Drinks for Seniors
Drinking enough water each day is essential for maintaining good health. While the recommended daily intake can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and activity level, a general guideline is to aim for at least 64 ounces of water per day.
Symptoms of dehydration
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A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
In the short term, lack of sleep can cause a decline in motor skills, slow down information processing, reduce our attention spans and emotional capacity, and impair our judgement. Over the long term, sleep issues can lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline, impaired memory and Alzheimer's disease.
8 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
Eating a healthy diet, getting lots of sleep, staying socially connected and managing stress can all help you age well, but one habit in particular stands out to help you live a long and healthy life, and that's physical activity.
Most health systems recognize either 55 or 65 as advanced, given that the official age of retirement in the US is 66 years and 2 months. Older adults between the ages of 65 and 74 are often characterized as being early elderly and those who are 75 years of age and older are often referred to as being late elderly.