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More than half of our body is made up of water. We need water to help keep our body functioning properly. Water helps our body to:
- digest food
- absorb nutrients
- get rid of waste
- regulate body temperature
- make saliva (and maintain a healthy mouth).
Across the day, we lose some water through sweating, going to the toilet and breathing. We lose more water by sweating when we’re more active than usual or when the weather is warmer. As we age, it’s common to feel less thirsty. It’s important to drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day, or more if you’ve been active or it’s a hot day.
People with Alzheimer’s disease, kidney problems, swallowing difficulties or mental or physical frailty are at higher risk.
How to keep hydrated
Water is not the only fluid that is hydrating. Other drinks and food that will help you to stay hydrated include:
- milk
- tea and coffee
- cordial
- juice
- soup
- custard
- ice cream.
Ideas to help you drink more over the day
- Cut up slices of lemon or other fruit and add to a jug of water in the fridge.
- Keep a drink bottle with you all day, especially when you’re out of the house.
- Put a jug of water and a glass on the table at meal times.
- Make icy poles from a mix of water and juice.
- Make a pot of tea (rather than a cup) to enjoy after breakfast.
More information
See the Healthy Ageing fact sheet Keeping hydrated.
