Read 9 Comments. Related Articles. Recent Questions My mom has stopped eating. Is there anything we can do? What to do when your elderly parent is starving themselves? What can be done regarding refusal to eat anything?

Popular Questions I feel like mom is starving to death. I've made arrangements for a tube to be inserted. Am I doing the right thing? Mom won't eat or drink much! Considering feeding tube!

My father is actively dying but my sister blames me because he no longer wants to eat. Any advice? Related Questions How much water should an year-old lady be drinking each day?

When do you stop offering food and just offer liquid nutrition? How long can someone survive with very little food or water? Not much of appetite husband hardly eats anything. Ask a Question.

Soups, broths and stews are also a good way to boost your fluid intake, especially in the colder weather. Keep water with you, always.

Having hydration at your fingertips can make it easier to get the right amount of fluids. Carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go, or keep a lightweight water pitcher and cup near your favorite chair at home.

Avoid or reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it prompts your body to remove fluids from your bloodstream. Limiting alcoholic beverages can help your body hang on to more of the water it needs to thrive. Change it up. Pure, clean water is the best way to stay hydrated. Try jazzing up your H2O by adding slices of fresh lemon, apple, cucumber or berries.

You may also choose to switch up water with other options such as low-sugar sports drinks or protein and nutritional shakes specifically designed for seniors. Coffee and tea can have a slight dehydrating effect, so they should not be counted toward your daily fluid intake.

Build hydration into your routine. Making it a point to drink water at certain times each day can help transform it into a healthy habit.

For example, consume a glass of water when you wake up in the morning, after every meal, and before and after exercise or activity. Getting enough water each day is an easy yet vitally important way to stay healthy and active as an older adult.

Meade, Robert D. et al. Aging attenuates the effect of extracellular hyperosmolality on whole-body heat exchange during exercise-heat stress, J Physiology,; 22 Get information on prevention and how to manage ongoing health conditions focused on physical and mental health.

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Find us on Social. Hydration for Older Adults How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health Aug 23, 5 min read. Key Takeaways Water is essential to almost all bodily functions, from lubricating our joints to pumping blood to our heart.

What is dehydration? Seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration for a number of reasons: Appetite and thirst tend to diminish with age. This means that even when your body is craving fluids, you might not be aware of it—and you may drink less than you need to stay healthy.

Older adults experience body composition changes over time that leave them with less water in their bodies to start with. Seniors are more likely to take medications that increase dehydration risk.

Symptoms of dehydration Even mild dehydration can cause an array of uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms. Early dehydration symptoms include: Dark-colored urine, urinating less frequently Fatigue, or feeling weak Irritability Dizziness Headaches Muscle cramps in arms or legs Dry mouth Confusion, decreased cognitive function The tiredness and lack of coordination that may result from dehydration can also lead to falls and injury.