Keep Drinking!

The importance of water for women over 50

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! How many times have we heard that during exercise classes, at the doctor’s office, and from other well-meaning people in our life? And it’s true! We know that water:

• Improves digestion

• Regulates body temperature

• Improves circulation

• Aids in weight loss

• Increases energy and prevents muscle cramping, just to mention a few.

But here is what you may not know:

• The bodies of older adults contain less water than those of younger people, about 50% compared to the approx. 70% of younger people.

• Water is necessary for nearly every bodily function, from lubricating joints, to controlling body temperature, to pumping blood to muscles.

• Water helps the body eliminate waste through urine, sweat, and bowel movements.

• Drinking adequate amounts of water keeps your skin, the body’s largest organ, looking healthy, and what woman doesn’t like that?

• Older people are at greater risk of dehydration because our sense of thirst diminishes as we get older.

And how much water should a woman age 50+ drink each day? Experts recommend drinking about 8 cups of water within a 24-hour period, more if you exercise and/or live in a hot climate. And no, your coffee doesn’t count!

How much water do you drink in a day?

Sources: mayoclinic.org, health.clevelandclinic.org