Life Cycle Hydration
Water is important throughout life. As we age however, water becomes even more critical. Dehydration is one of the major problems in adults and the elderly. The human body absorbs water less efficiently as age increases. In addition, the signals that tell your brain you are thirsty do not work as well in the elderly. In fact, in his book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” by F. Batmanghelidj, MD, (known as Dr. Batman) points out that most of the time when we get a signal of hunger it is really a call for water. We have confused the signal seek out food when all our cells and tissues really want is water. So next time you feel hungry, try Dr. Batman’s tip and drink a glass of water instead of eating and see if your hunger pangs disappear.
To sum it up, water intake at about ½ your body weight in ounces daily is very important. As you go through life cycle changes, water intake becomes increasingly important. While the amount required doesn’t change, your body’s ability to adjust to less water intake does.