Water is Wonderful
There’s nothing like an ice cold glass of water to quench your thirst on a hot,
humid summer day! Did you know that water is such a vital part of overall health,
but even becomes more important as we age? In fact, the balance between the
need for water and thirst shifts – the less water an older person drinks, the less
thirsty they become, which could potentially cause all kinds of health concerns.
The body is at least 50% water – even our bones are over 20% water. Water helps
to hydrate the blood and tissues and also lubricates joints, regulates temperature
and keeps the lungs moist to aid in breathing. If seniors don’t drink enough
water, they potentially run the risk of increased arthritic complications, sore
muscles, labored breathing and a higher internal body temperature. It’s amazing
to me that water can influence so many facets of our overall good health, but
what’s even more amazing is that so many older adults don’t drink enough!
It is recommended that one should consume one cup of water for every 20
pounds – which is about 6-8 glasses daily for the average person. So let’s think of
some creative ways to make sure we get a healthy dose of our daily H20.
1. Be intentional about it. Fill up a water bottle and make sure you empty it
as many times as you need to so you can maintain a healthy fluid intake,
especially if you are outside in the heat.
2. Put lemon in your water if you would like some variety. There are also
some delicious flavored waters on the market, just be sure they are sodium
free.
3. Drink a glass or two with each meal – including breakfast.
4. How about “eating” your water? Below is a list of just a few foods that are
high in water content:
Food
Lettuce (1½
cup)
Watermelon
(1½ cup)
Broccoli (1½
cup)
Grapefruit
(1½ cup)
Milk (1 cup)
Orange juice
(3/4 cup)
Carrot (1½
cup)
Yogurt (1
cup)
Apple (one
medium)
Percentage
Water
95%
92%
91%
91%
89%
88%
87%
85%
84%
With all the options for us to get plenty of water to keep us healthy, there’s no
reason why we shouldn’t – so fill up your glass, and make a toast to staying
hydrated!