The best part is that many delicious beverage recipes take very little time and ingredients to prepare. Explore the health benefits of hydration below, and peruse some delicious warm beverage recipes to try today in your assisted living apartment.

The Importance of Senior Hydration in Winter

Dehydration is a dangerous condition that can have severe health repercussions for seniors, including changes in blood pressure, dizziness and urinary tract infections.

Seniors are at a greater risk of becoming dehydrated than when they were younger because the amount of water reserves in the body declines with age. Side effects from medications can also affect fluid loss, and older adults often don't feel thirsty even when they're becoming dehydrated.

Humidity levels can dip extremely low during the winter, especially here in the alpine desert climate of Colorado Springs, CO. The resulting drier air pulls moisture from seniors' skin and causes them to become dehydrated faster.

Simple Warm Beverage Recipes

Drinking enough liquids can sometimes be difficult in cold temperatures. It's important to keep up the effort, however, and you can try mixing up routines with something fresh to help increase motivation and beat boredom.

Warm Spiced Cider Punch

Heated apple cider is a classic warm drink during cool weather. This slow cooker recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and it lends a delightful aroma to your apartment as it cooks. The addition of orange juice also adds a healthy dose of vitamin C to your day, which can fortify the immune system.

No-Fuss Instant Pot Apple and Pear Cider

An alternative take on hot cider recipes, this version uses fresh fruit to infuse delicious flavor into the drink. The recipe works best with the peels intact, so you only have to core and slice the fruit into quarters.

Milk Tea

Milk tea is popular in several locations around the world. By heating it in the microwave, you can reduce the number of dirty dishes and focus on just enjoying this sweet drink.

10-Minute Golden Milk Recipe

The popularity of turmeric lattes has been growing in recent years thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This version of the traditional Indian recipe is prepared with a combination of turmeric and black pepper, which helps the body absorb the nutrients properly.

Seniors interested in the health benefits of turmeric should talk with their doctors and the nurses here at ViewPointe to learn more about the ingredient and the recommended amount to consume each day.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

The words hot chocolate and healthy rarely go together, but this simple version only has 166 calories per serving. It contains saturated fat, making it best enjoyed in moderation in the same fashion as other junk food alternatives.

Peachy Spiced Cider

Peaches are a traditional summer ingredient and infuse a gentle sweetness into this cider recipe, which lets you put a delightful twist on cold-weather drinks. As one of Colorado's most famous crops, peaches are a favorite of many of our residents and make a fun offering during gatherings.

Honey and Lemon Tea

A go-to treatment for sore throats, honey and lemon tea is a simple yet irresistible way to enjoy a warm drink. This recipe can be prepared with either fresh-squeezed lemons or bottled lemon juice, and ginger can be added for an extra touch of warmth.

Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider

Cranberries usually adorn tables as desserts, but this cider recipe lets them join other ingredients as holiday drinks, perfect for serving family and friends during parties. Reviewers note it's easy to fix in a crock pot, and some enjoy switching out the lemon slices and adding oranges instead.

Chai Tea Mix

Chai tea lovers can use this mix to whip up a cup of their favorite hot beverage anytime. Its spice and sugar levels are easy to tailor to personal preference, so you should prepare a small batch as a taste test before fixing large quantities.

Nourishing Bone Broth Tonic

Warm beverages aren't limited to sweet treats. This nutritious bone broth tonic is a great way to boost daily protein levels and curb snack cravings between meals. It's thought to promote digestive health but may improve skin, nail and hair health as well. Adventurous seniors can make their own stock, but purchasing a packaged bone broth or bone broth powder is easier and typically healthier because you can pick up an organic pasture-raised variety.

Many of the residents here in ViewPointe have their favorite recipe for hot drinks, which can make a fun conversation starter during meals in the dining room. For new residents, it can be a great icebreaker to help them get started making new friends.