Older adults also need to drink fluids, even if they are not thirsty. The ability to sense thirst declines over the years, so older people cannot rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. The ability to regulate body temperature easily also declines with age. If a care giver is thirsty, a dependent older adult, infant or small child probably is, too. Hold a glass of water or other nourishing liquid up to them when offering a drink, Higgins said.
Water is recommended for infants who have started on solid foods.
For more information on nutrition and health, contact the local extension office. Mary Higgins, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist. Before using materials from this site, please read our usage agreement .