Positive Ageing Lifestyle Program - Summer 2008-09
Newsletter - Summer is coming
December 2008 - February 2009Summer is coming... no restrictions on drinking water!
As we age we are at more risk of dehydration - as the mechanisms that tell us we are thirsty don't work as well. In summer this is especially important, as we loose most of our water through our skin and breath.
Water accounts for 50–80% of body weight and even as little as 2% dehydration can results in impaired physiological responses and performance.
The outcomes of dehydration in the elderly are serious and range from constipation to cognitive impairment, decreased saliva production and oral health function decline, falls or stroke.
What can you do? Drink lots of water, avoid diuretics (such as coffee) and talk to your doctor.
Females 8 glasses a day. Males 10 glasses a day.
Reference: National Health and Medical Research Council, 2005, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand,
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/PUBLICATIONS/synopses/_files/n35.pdf
Updated: 25 November 2008
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