Winter is generally not the time we think of drinking cold beverages, but staying hydrated during the colder months is essential if you want to maintain healthy living. Despite popular belief, seniors may be more prone to dehydration in winter than summer. Here are some tips to keep them hydrated.

When It Gets Hot Inside The Home

We know that the body needs water to operate normally. Water not only helps you to get the hydration you need, but it also helps the cells, organs, and tissues to function correctly. Often, seniors like to turn the heat up in the winter — and this can lead the body to respond as if it’s being exposed to the warmer weather. Drinking water can stave off dehydration and help the body to feel less tired.

Drink Water for an Energy Boost

Increased water intake can even enhance your immune response giving you a mild energetic boost. Since seniors have weaker immune systems, it can help their body to fight sickness during the cold and flu season. 

How to Maintain Water Intake

The amount of water you drink depends on several factors, including your body weight and how physically active you are. A good rule of thumb is to try to drink one half of your body weight using ounces. If you can manage that, then you can adjust relative to your level of activity.

Other Ways to Hydrate

Drinking water is just one way to make sure that we are hydrated. There are other ways for the body to get water. An excellent way to hydrate is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumbers that have a higher level of H2O.

Another way to hydrate is to drink tea.  Green tea is not only healthy, but the high water content of tea will also help to hydrate you even in the winter. In addition to teas, you might consider broths and soups, which also increase your water intake while giving you nutrients and building your body’s immune system in the process.

Keeping hydrated in the wintertime is just as important as it is at any other time of the year. Taking steps to make sure your body is getting enough water is something your body will thank you for years to come.

The Arbors Assisted Living is a community that encourages elderly seniors to live a healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about The Arbors Assisted Living Community.