Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink

As you get older, your sense of thirst may not be as strong as it used to be. Health Canada's advice for older adults is to keep drinking regularly, whether you feel thirsty or not.

The easiest way is to link drinks to things you already do:

• Have a glass of water with every meal and snack.
• Keep a filled glass or bottle beside your favourite chair.
• Pour a glass when you sit down to read, do a puzzle or watch the news.
• Have a drink when you get back from a walk or finish your exercises.

Water is the drink of choice, and other drinks and foods help keep you hydrated too: lower fat white milk, unsweetened fortified plant-based beverages, low sodium soups, and vegetables and fruit. When you're thirsty, choose water over sugary drinks.

Try this today: Set a glass of water at your place for each meal, and finish it before you clear the table.

Safety note: If your doctor or health care provider has told you to limit how much you drink, follow their advice.

Sources

• Canada's food guide: Healthy eating for seniors (opens in a new tab)
• Canada's food guide: Make water your drink of choice (opens in a new tab)