Dear LPG,

I just wanted to remind readers of the importance of drinking water as we get older.  I always thought that I drank quite a bit during each day but, lately I have been measuring, and I don’t get through that much.  It is not my favourite drink, I would much rather a nice cup of tea or glass of fruit juice, but the recent spate of really warm weather gave me the impetus I needed to drink more, and even though our UK days have reverted to being  predictably cool again, the water drinking habit has stuck with me. 

I still don’t drink anywhere near the 1.5 litres a day  recommended for a lady but have found that even three of four glasses a day have made a bit of a difference to the way I feel.  The differences are subtle but especially when it was warm, I felt better for a sip from time to time during the day. I have also been making the effort to keep a glass by me so that I can pick it up and drink little amounts, and I find that where I would normally get up and forage in the fridge for something with more taste (and sugar content) when thirsty, I would just reach for the glass because it is nearer and thus more convenient.  The sips do mount up and I have to say that I do feel better for it although I cannot put my finger on why. 

 We are lucky in the UK because even though, like many I complain about the price of the water from our taps, the water companies do a really good job of filtering it for us.  So even if we don’t spend loads of money on the bottled stuff I know that I am doing myself good.  I have to say that I prefer sparkling water sometimes for variety. 

There is just one other advantage, or draw back, to forming this good habit.  Drinking more of any liquid, for the older person, has the habit of reminding us of  our bladder’s dwindling capacity to hold our water , but the extra visits to the little room have to be viewed as extra exercise; another component of healthy living. But that is a whole new subject!

  MJ, Ladywell

LPG found the following information:

What does drinking water do for you?                                       (►►►)   (►►►)   

How does our tap water rate with the rest of the world’s?   (►►►)