Hydrate To Feel Great is a project funded by NHS England. The aim of the project is to help people over 65 to reduce their risk of getting a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by improving hydration. Hydrate To Feel Great have developed ’My Hydration Plan’. It includes a 4-week drink diary to help you to record and monitor how much you drink.
Why is hydration important?
Our bodies use water for almost everything, from digesting food to keeping our joints supple and our minds sharp. Just like we care for our plants and pets, we need to care for ourselves by keeping our bodies topped up with water. In the same way you wouldn’t let your plants dry out and drop their leaves, it’s important you stay hydrated yourself.
Don’t wait until you’re wilting before you have a drink!
How much should I drink?
As a rough guide, we should all be having 6 - 8 drinks a day to keep our bodies and minds working at their best (unless you’ve been advised differently by your doctor). 6 - 8 drinks a day is roughly 2 litres or 3.5 pints.
When you’re doing more activity than normal, or if the weather is hot, it’s a good idea to add in extra drinks or alternatives such as ice lollies.
Why focus on hydration in over 65s?
- As we get older, our sense of thirst becomes less reliable
- Use of medications such as diuretics and laxatives can increase fluid losses
- Changes that occur as we age increase the risk of dehydration which in turn increases the risk of UTIs
- People over 65 suffer more serious consequences of UTIs and are more likely to require antibiotics
- People over 65 make up the majority of UTI related hospital admissions