Why That Cup of Tea Could Be a Lifesaver
The big benefits of boosting our hydration.
Why That Cup of Tea Could Be a Lifesaver
The big benefits of boosting our hydration.
Why That Cup of Tea Could be a Lifesaver
The big benefits of boosting our hydration
We all know we should drink more water, don’t we? Yet for many of us, particularly as we get older, staying properly hydrated can be more challenging than it may seem. It’s not just about feeling a bit thirsty – proper hydration is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing, especially for older adults, and in warmer weather.
As we age, our bodies naturally hold less water, and our sense of thirst becomes less reliable. What might have been a gentle nudge to have a glass of water in our younger years can become almost silent as we get older. This means we need to be much more conscious about drinking regularly throughout the day, rather than waiting until we feel parched.
The situation becomes even more complex for those living with dementia
Memory problems can make it difficult to remember to drink regularly, whilst changes in the brain can affect the body’s ability to recognise thirst signals. Someone with dementia might simply forget they’re thirsty, or they might not recognise the sensation of thirst. They could also develop fears around drinking; perhaps worrying about needing the toilet frequently, or having had a bad experience with hot drinks.
From the moment we take in fluid, it can take around 15 minutes for it to move into our bloodstream. When we are dehydrated, it can take three times as long, and the effects of dehydration can be quite dramatic and often catch families and carers off guard. People experiencing dehydration get increasingly confused and unsteady on their feet. Any existing mild confusion becomes much worse and can lead to the risk of falls. Dehydration is also a big contributing factor to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
When we’re not drinking enough, our urine becomes more concentrated, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. Plus, we’re not flushing our urinary system as frequently, so any bacteria that do get in there have more time to take hold and cause problems.
For older people, this becomes even more of an issue because they’re already at higher risk of UTIs due to age-related changes in the immune system and bladder function. Women are particularly susceptible after menopause due to hormonal changes.
The connection becomes especially problematic for people with dementia because UTIs can cause sudden worsening of confusion, agitation, or changes in behaviour – symptoms that might be mistaken for progression of the dementia itself. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle too. Someone might reduce their fluid intake because they’re worried about needing the toilet frequently or having accidents, but this actually makes them more likely to get a UTI, which can then cause incontinence anyway.
This is another important reason to keep an eye on hydration, especially for anyone you’re caring for. Regular drinks throughout the day are one of the simplest ways to help prevent UTIs alongside good hygiene.
Our mental as well as our physical health can suffer
Dehydration doesn’t just affect our physical health; it can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing too. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. For someone already dealing with memory problems, this can be particularly distressing and can make daily tasks feel overwhelming.
Signs of dehydration
So what should we be looking out for? Apart from thirst, the classic signs include a dry mouth, dry lips, dark yellow, strong-smelling urine and feeling dizzy or lightheaded. But other, less obvious indicators are worth knowing about. Check if the skin on the back of the hand takes longer than usual to settle back down after being gently pinched – this can be a sign of dehydration. Increased fatigue, confusion, irritability, or sudden changes in behaviour can also signal that someone needs more fluids.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you might notice they’re drinking less but can’t quite put your finger on why. Perhaps they’re having trouble coordinating the movement to lift a cup, or they’re not recognising drinks for what they are. Sometimes, the simple act of drinking can become complicated when cognitive abilities are affected.
Little and often is the key
Rather than presenting someone with a large glass of water that might feel overwhelming, try offering smaller amounts more frequently. Make drinks appealing – perhaps a splash of squash in water, or a cup of tea with a biscuit. Ice lollies, soups, and foods with high water content, like watermelon or cucumber, can all contribute to fluid intake.
For those with dementia, creating a routine around drinking can be incredibly helpful. Having a cup of tea at the same time each day, or placing drinks in the same visible spot, can work wonders. Sometimes, drinking together can encourage someone to have more, making it a social activity rather than a chore. Care should also be taken with the type of cup or mug. Are they able to handle and use the cup independently? Would a straw be more helpful to avoid spills and give them more confidence?
The bottom line is that staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most important things we can do for our health as we age. By being aware of the challenges and knowing what to look for, we can help ensure that our loved ones – and ourselves – stay healthy, comfortable, and alert. After all, something as simple as an extra few glasses of water can make all the difference to how we feel and function each day.
How much and when?
The NHS official guidance recommends 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day.
Morning is crucial – we wake up naturally a bit dehydrated after not drinking for hours overnight, so drinking water first thing is particularly important. A cup of tea or a glass of water with breakfast is a great start.
Throughout the day – rather than trying to catch up with large amounts later, it’s much better to sip regularly. Setting reminders for regular water breaks and making sure you drink water at mealtimes helps create a good routine.
Evening tapering – reducing fluid intake a couple of hours before bedtime can help prevent those disruptive nighttime trips to the loo, which can be particularly problematic for older adults who might be unsteady in the dark.
For people with dementia, morning and early afternoon tend to be when they’re most alert and receptive, so it’s often easier to encourage drinking during these times. Plus, establishing a routine around morning tea or coffee can become a reliable anchor point in their day.
Resources for further information and support on hydration.
NHS – Water, drinks and hydration: The NHS official guidance recommends 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day Water, drinks and hydration – NHS
NHS – Dehydration: comprehensive information on symptoms, cases and treatment
Dementia-Specific Hydration Support: specialist guidance with access to their Admiral Nurse helpline.
Alzheimer’s Society – Drinking, hydration and dementia: practical tips and advice.
Dementia UK – Hydration: specialist guidance with access to their Admiral Nurse helpline.
British Dietetic Association – Hydration in Older Adults: fact sheet.