x Most of us drink water only when we feel thirsty – but by then, it’s already too late. Our thirst signals kick in when we’ve lost 2% of our body’s water, but signs of dehydration such as memory lapses can occur when we’ve lost as little as 1% of our body’s water. As we age, our thirst receptors also slow down – making older people even more susceptible to dehydration. So if you’re getting on in years, it’s vitally important to remind yourself to drink water even before you feel thirsty.