Health Tip
While hydration is key in these summer months, it is crucial year-round. Water helps our bodies maintain a normal temperature, pump blood to our heart, lubricate and cushion joints, and protect our spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. As we get older and our body composition changes, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing found that up to 40% of older adults may be chronically underhydrated. The National Council on Aging provides some tips to increasing water intake:
Keep water with you always
Change it up by adding cucumber or lemon to your water or having sparkling water (but remember that tea and coffee can actually be dehydrating)
Avoid or reduce your alcohol intake
Build hydration into your routine
Choose foods with higher water content if drinking more water is a challenge