Did you know? You are probably dehydrated.

Hydration is even more important than you think.

Multiple studies have shown that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration. And adults over 65 may only have around 60% of their body mass as water, compared to 72% in younger adults, which can make older adults even more susceptible to dehydration. It’s no wonder that dehydration is a frequent cause of hospital admission for older adults.

Staying sufficiently hydrated is important for many reasons, including some you may not realize. For instance:

1. Chronic dehydration is associated with an increased risk of degenerative diseases and diminished physical functions.
2. Improved hydration has been shown to positively affect various chronic diseases.
3. Proper hydration is critical to skin health, which is of vital importance as we age.
4. Several studies have demonstrated that cognitive performance is associated with hydration status, especially in older adults.
5. Inadequate water intake is regarded as a common cause of constipation and other gastrointestinal (GI) system issues.

Staying hydrated can be as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Drink water when you wake up – as soon as you get out of bed, drink a large glass of water to kick start your digestion, boost your cognitive ability, quench your thirsty skin, and contribute to your overall well-being.
2. Drink water before every meal – this is not only a good built-in reminder to hydrate, it will also help fill you up, limit your calorie intake, and aid in digestion.
3. Make hydration part of your daily routine – add hydration breaks throughout your day when most convenient, perhaps every time you take a bathroom break, or anytime you feel the need to snack.

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Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148.

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The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.

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