Hydration
1 in 4 older people are dehydrated, so aren’t drinking enough. This can cause a range of health problems and can even contribute to falls, infections and strokes.
To prevent dehydration, adults should drink at least 3½ pints (2 litres/70 fluid ounces) of fluid a day - unless otherwise directed by a doctor. This fluid intake doesn’t just have to be water. It can include things like tea, coffee, fruit juice, squash, milk and fizzy drinks.
Preventing dehydration is so important, please don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
Drinking Well: Caring for Older Adults Online Course
Developed with Age UK Norwich and the University of East Anglia, this 1 hour session is designed to support carers of older adults as well as anyone over 50 wishing to learn more about the importance of hydration. Access the Later Life Learning website to find more resources and access the course.
Drinking & hydration for older adults
Read our booklet, which is full of useful information to keep you well
If you’re a health coach or healthcare professional
To access our professional resources
Drinking & the toilet
To find out more about managing drinking alongside toilet visits, have a look at our leaflet
Toilet map
To find a toilet near you
