Are you getting enough fluids?

Should I be drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day?

Fluid is essential for the body to function properly. The importance of having enough fluid does not decrease with age. Most older people need 6 – 8 cups of fluid a day (a cup = 250mL) Fluid is more than just water. Fluids include milk, juice, cordial, soft drink, tea, coffee, jelly, soup and ice cream.

Having enough fluid

• Keeps the kidneys working
• Helps prevent constipation
• Decreases the likelihood of urinary tract infections
• Quenches thirst
• Prevents dehydration. Dehydration can cause confusion

Having a drink (thirsty or not) when you get up in the morning, at morning and afternoon tea time and at meal times will go a long way toward meeting daily fluid needs.