Staying hydrated sounds simple, but it can become more complicated with age. Some older adults do not feel thirsty as often as they once did. Others may forget to drink, have difficulty getting up for water, or avoid fluids because they are worried about frequent trips to the bathroom.
So, how much water should a senior drink each day? There is a general guideline, but the right amount can vary from person to person.
How Much Water Should an Older Adult Drink Each Day?
The National Academies recommends an adequate total water intake of about 3.7 liters per day for men and 2.7 liters per day for women. Importantly, that total includes water from all beverages and foods, not just glasses of plain water.
That means seniors do not necessarily need to drink 2.7 or 3.7 liters of plain water every day.
Soups, milk, tea, fruits, vegetables, and other foods and drinks can all contribute to hydration.
Needs also vary. A senior may require more or less fluid depending on activity level, weather, medications, diet, and overall health. Older adults who have been given specific fluid instructions by a doctor should follow those recommendations instead.
Why Seniors Can Become Dehydrated More Easily
One reason hydration becomes more important with age is that the body's sense of thirst can become less noticeable. The National Institute on Aging advises older adults not to rely only on feeling thirsty before having something to drink.
Other factors can make staying hydrated harder, including:
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Certain medications
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Memory problems or dementia
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Limited mobility
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Illness, vomiting, or diarrhea
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Hot weather
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Difficulty preparing or reaching drinks
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Concerns about frequent urination or incontinence
Sometimes the problem is not that a senior refuses water. They simply go several hours without thinking about it.
Signs a Senior May Not Be Drinking Enough
Dehydration can look different from one person to another. Families and caregivers may notice:
Sudden confusion, severe weakness, fainting, or other significant changes should not automatically be blamed on dehydration. These symptoms may require prompt medical attention.
Simple Ways to Help Seniors Drink More Water
Telling someone to "drink more water" is not always very helpful. In our experience, hydration tends to be easier when it becomes part of an older adult's normal routine.
Families can try:
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Keeping a glass or water bottle within easy reach
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Offering smaller drinks more frequently
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Serving a beverage with every meal and snack
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Pairing drinks with medication reminders
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Adding lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint to water
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Offering foods with a high water content, such as fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and soup
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Using a lightweight cup that is comfortable to hold
Preferences matter too. A senior who rarely reaches for plain water may happily drink herbal tea, milk, broth, or flavored water.
For more ideas, see our guide to healthy and nutritious drinks for seniors.
Do Coffee, Tea, and Food Count Toward Hydration?
Yes. Water does not have to come exclusively from a water bottle.
Tea, milk, broth, smoothies, and many other beverages contribute fluids. Foods such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, yogurt, and soup can contribute as well.
The goal is not to force a certain number of glasses into every day. It is to help the senior consistently get enough fluids from appropriate foods and beverages.
When Water Intake Should Be Discussed With a Doctor
More water is not always better. Some older adults with kidney disease, heart conditions, fluid retention, or other health concerns may need to limit how much they drink. Certain medications can also affect fluid needs.
If a senior has been given a daily fluid limit or other instructions by a physician, those recommendations should take priority over general hydration guidelines.
Families should also speak with a healthcare provider if a loved one regularly struggles to drink enough, has difficulty swallowing, or shows repeated signs of dehydration.
Helping a Loved One Stay Healthy at Home
Hydration is one of many small routines that can become harder to manage as a person gets older. Regular meals, drinks, medication reminders, and a little encouragement throughout the day can make those routines easier to maintain.
At 24 Hour Caregivers, caregivers can assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, hydration reminders, and other everyday needs while helping seniors remain comfortable and supported at home.
If your loved one could benefit from additional help with daily routines, contact 24 Hour Caregivers to learn more about personalized home care options.
