Final answer:
Older people may be afraid to drink too much water due to their reduced thirst mechanism and physical challenges. Strategies to encourage proper hydration include setting reminders, making water accessible, offering flavored water options, and including water-rich foods in their diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Older people may be afraid to drink too much water because their thirst mechanism is not as sensitive as it used to be, which can make them feel less thirsty. Additionally, physical challenges and neurological conditions that affect the elderly can reduce their ability to empty their bladders, leading to them avoiding drinking water. To encourage older people to maintain proper hydration, strategies such as setting reminders to drink water, making water easily accessible, offering a variety of flavored water options, and incorporating water-rich foods into their diet can be helpful.