Getting proper hydration is sometimes overlooked when it comes to senior adults. While hydration is of great importance in the summer months, it is a topic that should be considered all year. Proper hydration is not only good for the body, but an important part of helping to prevent against illness.

Why is water important?

Nearly 60 percent of our bodies are comprised of water. Every cell, tissue and organ in our body relies on water. Our bodies rely on water to regulate temperature, remove toxins and keep our joints lubricated. When we talk about hydration, it means keeping the water levels in our bodies in a healthy range so we can function at our best.

Are you drinking enough water?

Healthcare providers suggest to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should drink 60 ounces of water each day. One of the simplest ways to know if you’re drinking enough water is the color of your urine. In most cases, a well-hydrated person will have colorless or light-yellow urine. If it is dark yellow or amber, it may be a sign of dehydration. Another telltale sign you are hydrated is simply being thirsty.

Tips for proper hydration

These tips are not just for senior adults, but people of every age should keep them in mind. Some of the best tips include:

• Drink a large glass of water first thing in the morning.
• Keep a water bottle with you during the day. The more accessible it is, the more you will drink it.
• Add some cucumber, mint leaves, or lemon slices to your water. There are also many calorie and sugar free additives to add a variety of flavors to water.
• Plan for water breaks when doing an activity. It is a good habit to build in breaks to your day to stay hydrated.
• Have a "hydration contest". Make it a game with your partner, coworkers or family to hit your target water consumption each day.
• Eat your water. You do not have to just drink your water. Some fruits and vegetables have high water content and will help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Some include watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, spinach and celery.
• Sip before you snack. When when you feel hungry, you may actually be thirsty. True hunger will not be curbed by drinking water. Before grabbing a snack, drink some water and you may see you desire for snacking change.