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NHS Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
But First, A Drink Information leaflet
With YOU in mind
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#ButFirstADrink
Who?
Carers
Neighbours
What?
Reproduced with kind permission of Rachael Brandreth #AHPsintoAction
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What is healthy hydration?
Your body is mostly made of water, so staying hydrated is important for your health. Drinking enough helps with digestion, keeps your skin healthy, and makes you feel less tired and confused.
Why is hydration important for older people?
People over 65 are more likely to become dehydrated. As you get older, you may not feel as thirsty, and your kidneys don't work as well as they used to. Health problems common in older people, like dementia, can also increase the risk of dehydration, as can being sick.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration happens when you lose more water than you drink. This can be very serious. There are two main ways it can happen:
Not drinking enough each day, which is common for older people.
Losing a lot of fluids quickly, like through vomiting or diarrhoea.
What are the effects of dehydration?
Dehydration can make you feel unwell and lower your quality of life. It can even send people to the hospital and slow down recovery. Dehydration can also cause:
Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Tiredness and confusion.
Memory and concentration problems.
Constipation.
More risk of falls and pressure ulcers.
Slow healing of wounds.
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How do I know if I am dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration include:
Feeling thirsty
Dry mouth or skin
Low blood pressure
Feeling tired or confused
Dark urine
Not needing to pee as much
Knowing how you usually feel will help you recognise these signs and prevent dehydration.
Urine Colours
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Tips to stay hydrated:
Drink a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, fruit juice, or smoothies.
Aim for 6-8 drinks a day (at least 1.5 litres).
Drink your favourite drinks in small sips throughout the day.
Keep water or other drinks nearby, even when you're out and about.
Use water bottles or jugs as reminders to drink.
Drink a glass of water with your medication.
Make your water more appealing by adding lemon slices or ice cubes.
Use the start or end of TV shows as reminders to have a drink or set alarms to remind you.
How much should I drink?
Aim to drink 6-8 cups of fluid a day, which is about 1.5 - 2 litres. All non-alcoholic drinks count, including tea, coffee, and juice.
Water is the best choice because it doesn't have extra sugar or caffeine.
You can also get fluids from foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and soups.
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Helping someone drink more:
If you're caring for someone, here's how you can help them stay hydrated: Offer drinks often and share a drink together.
Offer drinks often and share a drink together.
Keep a variety of drinks available.
Encourage them to drink a little at a time.
Suggest fun drinks like smoothies or ice cream floats.
Use special cups with handles or reminders to help them drink more.
Set up electronic reminders, like alarms, to prompt them to drink regularly.
Drinking enough is important for feeling good and staying healthy!
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For more information:
British Dietetic Associationwww.bda.uk.com
NHS Eatwell guidewww.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide
British Nutrition Foundationwww.nutrition.org.uk/creating-a-healthy-diet/a-healthy-balanced-diet/lanced diet
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Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/929/0325 March 2025 V1
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028
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