Healthy eating and drinking

Good nutrition and hydration are vital for staying healthy, active, and independent.

Common risks for older adults:

• Reduced appetite, changes in taste and smell.
• Dental issues, dry mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Low motivation, especially when eating alone.

Tips for healthy eating:

• Follow The Eatwell Guide - NHS.
• Aim for 6–8 glasses of fluid daily (water, tea, coffee, milk).
• Use easy-to-handle plates, cups, and kitchen equipment.
• Try stronger flavours if taste has changed.
• Visit the dentist for loose dentures or dental issues.
• Eat smaller, nutritious meals if large meals are difficult.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for health.
Adults need at least 1.5 litres of fluid per day (about 6–8 cups or glasses).

Signs of dehydration:

• Thirst, tiredness, headache, concentrated urine
• Dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, sunken eyes

Tips for staying hydrated:

• Drink little and often, especially for older adults.
• Vary drinks (hot, cold, different flavours).
• Offer foods with high water content (gravy, jelly, melon).
• Use easy-to-handle cups and equipment.

Remember:

• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have a drink.
• Limiting drinks can make incontinence worse.
• Dark yellow urine means you need to drink more.

Further information:
Dehydration - NHS
Water, drinks and hydration - NHS

Useful equipment:
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