Present this information as an interactive presentation as illustrated above. Ask the audience the question first, then build upon their answers. Functions of water transports nutrients, carries away waste, hydrates skin, helps carry medicines to proper places in body, acts as insulation to cold, and protects against heat exhaustion. Why water is essential essential for every body cell, tissue and organs to function. Cannot survive more than a week without water.
Many older adults have problem chewing and swallowing due to decrease saliva.
Drinking fluids will make chewing and swallowing easier. Many medications taken by older adults have a diuretic effect, drinking plenty of fluids is even more important. Older adults can have a decreased thirst diminished sense of thirst contributing to not drinking enough fluids, which will lead to dehydration or loss of body water. Water is also found in foods of high water content - especially fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are mostly water bound by a gel such as jello and pudding. This can prevent meeting fluid needs.