Older adults tend to drink less water because of a decrease in thirst awareness.
This makes them more likely to become dehydrated. Water is second only to oxygen as essential to life. Everyone needs at least 6 to 8 glasses of liquid each day to keep the body functioning properly. When not enough fluids are taken by mouth, the body adapts by using fluids from the tissues, muscles, and organs. Fluids are normally lost through sweat, urine, and stools.