Why do so many older adults struggle to stay hydrated?

It's more common than you think and it's rarely about willpower

The good news: there's an easier and more enjoyable way to get the fluids your body needs every single day 

The real reason older adults get more dehydrated

Dehydration in older adults is widely under-recognised. It's not usually laziness or forgetting - the body itself makes hydration genuinely more difficult with age

  • 1

    A dulled sense of thirst

    As we age, the brain's thirst signals naturally weaken. Older adults simply don't feel thirsty even when their bodies are becoming dehydrated - meaning they can't rely on instinct to know when to drink.

  • 2

    Cognitive changes & dementia

    Memory loss, confusion, and changes in routine, associated with dementia and other cognitive conditions, can mean older adults forget to drink, no longer recognise thirst, or struggle with the mechanics of using a cup or glass.

  • 3

    Medications that affect fluid balance

    Many common medications, including diuretics, blood pressure tablets, and certain antidepressants, actively draw water from the body or affect how it's processed, dramatically increasing daily fluid needs.

1 in 3 older adults are mildly dehydrated at any given time, without knowing it…


The solution? Hydration that feels like a treat

I invented Jelly Drops for my grandma Pat after she became hospitalised with dehydration. After living in her care home for a month to try and find a solution, I came up with the idea of Jelly Drops

Tasty, 95% water, sugar-free treats designed to boost health and hydration for people struggling to hydrate

Try now from 99p per serving - get a free 2-pack when you subscribe cancel anytime

we've now supported over 125,000 families!

FAQs

Common questions about Jelly Drops
  • As with drinking water or eating healthy foods, how many Jelly Drops you consume is completely up to you, and by eating more you can help further boost your hydration.

    Made with 95% water, Jelly Drops are sugar free, fat free and contain only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, meaning that many aspects people often need to control in their diet are not an issue with eating too many Jelly Drops.

    As everyone is unique and has their own individual health requirements, you should still consider any specific dietary advice you are following. If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend checking with your relevant medical professional. If you require any additional information on the ingredients, including the electrolyte breakdown, please get in touch.

    Each pack of Jelly Drops contains 50ml of water. Vitamin wise, each pack contains 20% of the Nutritional Reference Value (NRV) of B6 (0.28 mg), B9 (24 μg), and B12 (24 μg), offering an essential vitamin boost whilst staying well within recommended guidelines.

    The NHS recommends that you should have no more than 200mg of B6 each day and no more than 1mg of B9, both far above what you’d receive even if you had dozens of packs, or if you ate a regular amount alongside existing sources of vitamins. The NHS currently does not recommend an upper limit for B12.

    You can have up to 25 pots of Jelly Drops a day… but honestly, that sounds like a lot of snacking – even for us!😄
  • We suggest you consume 2 to 3 packs each day, to provide a hydration boost and gain the optimal health benefits from the added B vitamins and electrolytes.

    Each individual pack of Jelly Drops contains around 9 jelly treats which is the equivalent of 50ml of water.

    As with any food that provides health benefits, it’s completely up to you how many you eat. But every pack will contribute to supporting your daily health and hydration needs.

    If you are struggling to eat the suggested 2 to 3 packs per day, then rest assured that every pack consumed will provide much needed additional water intake, as well as the associated health benefits from the vitamins and electrolytes. Many people find it easier to increase the amount they eat over time.

    Remember, with Jelly Drops we are trying to top up hydration levels, and not replace liquids. So if your loved one likes cups of tea, but struggles to drink a glass of water, we suggest you keep offering your loved one their favourite drink. A good tip is to offer your loved one Jelly Drops at certain times of the day, so for example when your loved first wakes up, with meals or when your loved one is watching TV.

    As everyone is unique and has their own individual health requirements, if you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to consult a medical professional.

    Please see here for the full ingredients and nutritional information.
  • Hydration matters to everyone, which is why Jelly Drops are loved by a wide range of people—not just those living with dementia. They are perfect for anyone looking to boost their hydration or seeking a healthy treat!

    Made with 95% water, plus added electrolytes and B vitamins, they’re sugar-free and non-laxative. If you or your loved one is on medication or undergoing treatment, it’s always best to check with your relevant medical professional.

    Please remember, however, that Jelly Drops are not suitable for people with swallowing difficulties.

    You can find the full list of ingredients in the article here and just let us know if you need any more information.
  • Jelly Drops are made with 95% water, but they won’t melt, burst, dissolve or have a liquid centre!

    We’ve designed them with a solid texture that’s still super easy to eat. Many people say they feel a bit like traditional jelly, but they’re different from traditional sweets like wine gums or jelly beans.
  • Our subscription is the most cost-effective way to order, but you don’t have to! Both of our 21 and 42 multipacks can be purchased as one-off orders at any time—just select ‘One-Time’ Purchase at checkout.
  • Jelly Drops are soft and easy to chew—and denture friendly. Although, they don’t dissolve, melt, or burst, so they need to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. 

    If swallowing difficulties are a concern, we recommend consulting a Speech and Language Therapist before consuming.

    Jelly Drops have been independently assessed as Level 7 on the IDDSI Framework, which supports safer food and drink options for those with swallowing needs.

    See the PDF below for the approximate drop measurement.