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Getting enough water -
six to eight 8-ounce glasses of some
fluids each day - is especially important for older people.
The older you are, the more vulnerable you become
to dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most
frequent causes of hospitalization among
people over age 65, and research
shows that about one-half of those
hospitalized for dehydration die within
a year.
Aging is associated with decreased
kidney function, a reduced sense of thirst, lower
amounts of total body water, and a reduced fitness level
all of which can contribute to dehydration. If you make drinking lots
of water
part of your daily routine, you won’t
have to worry about depriving your body
of one of its most important nutrients.
Water
is especially important when the weather is very
hot or very cold. It acts as a body temperature
control. In the summer, perspiring helps keep
body temperature within a normal range;
in the winter, water acts as insulation.
Try these tips for adding
water to your daily routine:
1. Have a glass of water, tea, or juice
with
your meals.
Start off with a cup of soup.
2. Never pass by a water fountain
without taking a sip.
3. Remember that
only decaffeinated
coffee
counts toward meeting your daily
fluid
intake goal of 48 to 64 ounces.
Provided by the Family
Nutrition Program,
Michigan State University Extension.
To learn more about nutrition,
please contact us at 269-657-7745.
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