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Where's the water?

Wendy J. Dahl

Many frail older adults are at risk for dehydration. Providing enough water to the older adult is a challenge, as decreased thirst may limit beverage intake. Water comes in many forms, in beverages, but also in foods. When food intake decreases, so does water intake. Encouraging food and beverage intake are important in preventing dehydration in frail older adults.

Table 1. 

Which of the following foods is higher in water?

(Circle the Correct Answers)

Peanut Butter

or

Ketchup

Cooked Carrots

or

Cranberry Juice

Cottage Cheese

or

Apple Sauce

Roasted Chicken

or

Pork Chops

Mashed Potatoes

or

Pasta

Chocolate Pudding

or

Chocolate Brownie

Foods vary widely in water content. You may be surprised to find out that many common foods that are not liquids are quite high in water! Continue to Table 2 to learn more.

Where's the water? Answer Key

Table 2. 

Which of the following is higher in percent water content?

(Answer Key: percent water content per single serving)

Peanut Butter

2

94

Ketchup

Cooked Carrots

91

83

Cranberry Juice

Cottage Cheese

79

76

Apple Sauce

Roasted Chicken

71

53

Pork Chop

Mashed Potatoes

83

72

Pasta

Chocolate Pudding

69

10

Chocolate Brownie

% water content

Tips for readers:

  • Frail older adults are encouraged to drink milk and other nutrient-rich beverages between meals.
  • Encourage three servings of fruit and fruit juice each day.

 

 

 

 

 

Publication #FSHN11-13

Release Date:July 15th, 2022

Related Experts

Dahl, Wendy J.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

  • Critical Issue: Families and Communities
Fact Sheet
General Public

About this Publication

This document is FSHN11-13, one of a series of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2011. Revised September 2018 and July 2022. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Wendy J. Dahl, PhD, associate professor, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Wendy Dahl