Hydration is especially important in older adults, but plain water is usually the mainstay. Minerals are best obtained from a varied diet rather than automatically adding salt or electrolyte powders. The National Institute on Aging recommends water and other appropriate fluids and notes that older adults can get most needed minerals from food.
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National Institute on Aging
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If you’re referring to a homemade “hydration and mineral” drink, be careful with recipes containing lots of salt or sugar. Older adults with heart, kidney, or blood-pressure conditions may need individualized fluid or sodium recommendations.
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National Institute on Aging
A simple approach is water alongside mineral-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy or fortified alternatives, beans, nuts, and seeds. If dehydration occurs because of vomiting, diarrhea, or significant fluid loss, a properly formulated oral rehydration solution is preferable to an improvised recipe.
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