Nutrition & Supplements
7 Best Drinks to Help Seniors Stay Hydrated
Thirst can lessen with age, so older adults may become dehydrated without noticing. Regular drinking through the day helps. For everyday hydration, water is usually a good first choice. Drinks with electrolytes or oral rehydration solutions may be useful in certain situations, such as significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, but they aren't necessary for routine hydration for everyone.
Helpful drinks
- Water
- Milk or fortified plant milk
- Oral rehydration solutions, for illness with vomiting or diarrhea. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea—especially with signs of dehydration—may require medical evaluation rather than relying only on drinks at home.
- Broth or soup (watch sodium if you limit salt)
- Herbal tea
- Water with fruit slices
- 100% juice in small amounts, or diluted
Signs of dehydration
Dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, confusion and tiredness. Seek prompt medical care for confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, or other signs of severe dehydration.
Safety first
- • This is general nutrition education, not individual medical advice.
- • If you have heart failure or kidney disease, your doctor may limit fluids. Follow their advice.
This article is general education, not individual medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation.
Sources
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