Staying properly hydrated is essential, no matter your age. However, during certain phases of your life, itâs more important and more challenging than others, both on a daily basis and during special family events. If youâre planning a family event and youâre concerned about keeping everyone hydrated, what should you know?
Hydration Needs Vary Based on Age
The recommendation to drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day is little more than a general guideline for water consumption for the average person. The amount of water needed to stay properly hydrated varies based on a personâs age, activity level, and overall health. External issues, such as temperature, also play a role.
How Do You Know How Much Water Is Enough Every Day?
Infants
Infants are at a high risk of dehydration due to their smaller size and reliance on adults for hydration. They canât ask for water or let someone know when theyâre thirsty. Itâs up to the adults caring for them to look for signs of dehydration and prevent it from occurring by keeping babies in the shade, offering enough formula or breast milk, and allowing for sips of water once the child is old enough.
Children
Children also have a high risk of dehydration, but the reasons are different. Kids can let adults know when they are thirsty, but they often get distracted playing and forget to drink. They also tend to be very active, even when itâs hot outside, which means they lose a lot of water.
If youâre hosting a family event where children will be in attendance, be sure to provide reminders for kids to drink and consider scheduling regular water breaks. Itâs also a good idea to supply fun cups or bottles, offer flavoured water or electrolyte additions, and ensure that water access is âkid level,â so children can serve themselves.
Teens and Adults
Teens and adults can determine when theyâre thirsty and can get their own water, but all too often, they opt for sugary beverages, energy drinks, alcohol, or coffee over water. If youâre hosting a family event where teens will be present, especially if theyâre active, make sure there are water stations nearby and encourage people of all ages to replenish their fluids throughout the event.
Seniors
Finally, consider the hydration needs of older attendees at your event. Seniors may struggle to recognize their thirst cues, and occasionally, they fail to rehydrate until theyâve entered a danger zone regarding thirst. Make sure to remind older attendees at your event to stay hydrated. Itâs also a good idea to offer multiple water stations so people donât need to walk as far to refill their water bottles. This way, people of all mobility levels have access to clean drinking water.
How You Can Make Hydrating Easy
There are several ways you can reduce the risk that people attending your family event will experience dehydration. For example:
- Offer easy accessibility to drinking stations throughout the event space.
- Make sure drinking stations are accessible to shorter people or those who cannot stand/walk.
- Consider including wheelchair accessible stations if you know someone attending uses a wheelchair.
- Post signage indicating where water stations are located and ensure it is visible and readable by people of all ages and abilities (illustrations can be helpful).
- Offer shaded seating areas, preferably near water refilling stations, where people can drink and cool off.
- Encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or offer reusable cups or bottles.
Planning an Event Where Hydration Matters?
Planning a family-friendly event is a big undertaking, especially if youâre concerned about the hydration of attendees. No matter the type of event youâre planning, portable water stations are an excellent option for keeping everyone safe and hydrated.
Working with a company like Quench Buggy can help you provide inclusive hydration options that meet the needs of every age groupâconvenient, sustainable, and designed with families in mind. From weddings and reunions to outdoor festivals to school fundraisers, the right hydration setup makes a lasting difference in both comfort and safety for your guests. Book a quick call to learn more about renting or buying a portable water station for your upcoming events.