Foods That Are Great for Hydrating Older Adults
- Elder Love USA
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is especially critical for older adults.
Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among those 65 and over, and its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other medical conditions, medications, or the natural effects of aging.
Several factors make older adults more vulnerable to dehydration:
Their bodies contain less water than when they were younger
Their sense of thirst naturally weakens over time
Declining kidney function can lead to more frequent urination and greater fluid loss
Mobility challenges can make it harder to access fluids regularly
Certain medications can also contribute to fluid loss
One practical strategy for caregivers is to offer hydrating foods as part of their care recipient's regular diet.
These are foods with a high water content, typically 80% and above, and are most often raw fruits and vegetables.
They help boost fluid intake without relying solely on drinking water.
These are the suggested foods from UCLA and Healthline:
Cucumber (96%)
Iceberg Lettuce (96%)
Celery (95%)
Radishes (95%)
Romaine Lettuce (95%)
Tomatoes (94%)
Zucchini & Summer Squash (94%)
Bell Peppers (92%)
Cabbage (92%)
Cauliflower (92%)
Spinach (92%)
Strawberries (92%)
Watermelon (92%)
Grapefruit (91%)
Cantaloupe (90%)
Peaches (89%)
Plain Yogurt (88%)
Cottage Cheese (80%)
Oranges (87%)
With such a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and dairy options to choose from, caregivers can easily work hydrating foods into any meal or snack without relying on the same options every day or making hydration feel like a chore. You can even mix or combine them for more variety.
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Our dedicated care professional can help you think through your options and explain what types of support may be appropriate based on your specific needs.
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