As we observe Older Americans Month and the theme “Champion Your Health,” it’s easy to focus on the big, visible habits — exercise, diet, regular checkups. But one of the most important factors in healthy aging is also one of the easiest to overlook: staying properly hydrated.
It sounds simple, but hydration becomes more complicated as we age. One reason is biological. Over time, the body’s natural sense of thirst becomes less reliable. That means you may not feel thirsty even when your body needs fluids. By the time thirst kicks in, mild dehydration may already be present.
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Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.
