As long as your mouth isn't dry, you don't need to drink too much water
Anything in excess can be harmful, even something as essential as water. However, young people with good health might not face major issues from drinking a bit more or less; but for the elderly who are suffering from illnesses and declining organ function, managing water intake should not be taken lightly.
Under normal circumstances, an adult's daily water intake should be between 1000-1500 milliliters. This includes not only the water we drink directly but also the water present in the food we consume. It should be noted that water intake should vary from person to person and from time to time. For example, taller and more robust individuals may need slightly more water daily. In higher temperatures, people sweat more and should also drink more water. Furthermore, certain conditions such as fever, chronic inflammation, constipation, and diabetes mellitus also warrant an appropriate increase in water intake. Simply put, you should "drink according to your feelings and habits." As long as you don't experience problems like thirst, dark urine, or constipation, there's no need to force yourself to drink large amounts of water.
Of course, it is an objective fact that the elderly are less sensitive to the sensation of a dry mouth. Therefore, it is recommended they drink a glass of warm water after waking up. This can help dilute the blood, cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, and aid in the excretion of metabolic waste products. Moreover, this habit serves as a daily reminder for the elderly not to forget to drink water. Besides warm water, drinking soy milk, low-fat or skim milk, or preparing oatmeal in the morning also has a hydrating effect. During the day, green tea is generally recommended. However, for elderly individuals who are frail or have poor digestion, black tea or fermented Pu-erh tea is suggested, as they are warm in nature and beneficial for warming the stomach, aiding digestion, and lowering blood lipids. In the evening, whether to drink water depends on personal habit. There is no need to deliberately rehydrate, nor should you avoid drinking water for fear of waking up to urinate at night. A special reminder: do not drink large amounts of water or soup during or around mealtimes. Whether before or after a meal, excessive water can dilute stomach acid, worsening the digestive system of the elderly, who already have reduced stomach acid secretion, and leading to indigestion.
Additionally, since water absorption dilutes the blood and increases blood volume, it加重 the burden on the heart. Therefore, patients with heart failure need to control their water intake. The kidneys are responsible for excreting water, so excessive intake will also加重 their burden. Consequently, patients with kidney failure and other kidney diseases should not drink too much water, especially not a large amount at once. It is best to determine the appropriate water intake under a doctor's guidance.