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Water On Wheels (WOW!)

Hydration is a key factor in health for seniors, but as research shows, health literacy regarding hydration among this demographic is lacking. The average adult requires 64 ounces of water each day, but as we grow older that number tends to increase for a variety of reasons. First, the body’s ability to conserve water diminishes with age. Second, the sense of thirst diminishes in older adults. As a result, many seniors don’t feel the need to drink enough and by the time they feel a sensation of thirstiness, signs of dehydration may already be setting in. Additionally, some older adults have age-related conditions that can cause a reduced desire to consume fluids or the ability to do so.

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for seniors. This is why Meals On Wheels of Tampa includes an 8oz bottle of water with each hot meal. Delivering a serving of water each weekday not only eliminates the barriers to accessing water but also serves as a reminder to stay hydrated.

History of WOW!

In 2016, collected data showed that 87% of Meals On Wheels of Tampa recipients consumed less than 64 oz of water per day (daily recommended amount) even though 94% reported that they believed drinking water was important to their health.

In direct response, the Meals On Wheels of Tampa’s High School Leadership Board (HSLB) developed and introduced the WAter On Wheels (WOW!) program on May 21, 2016, to encourage healthy hydration. The student led group, which is comprised of Junior and Senior students from local high schools, raised funds to provide reusable water tumblers and educational materials to all seniors and homebound served by Meals On Wheels of Tampa.

2016-2017 HSLB President, Maggie Fitzsimmons, was honored to receive the Lightning Community Heroes of Tomorrow award after the introduction of this program. Please take a couple minutes to watch the video and read the article!

Thanks to the generosity from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, WOW! transitioned to recipients receiving free water along with their hot meal delivery throughout 2017.

Lightning

WOW! today

Today, all of our recipients continue to receive a free 8oz bottle of water with each hot meal delivery, thanks to support from Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

This program is a vital component to our mission of nourishing, enriching and strengthening the independent lives of seniors and homebound, because seniors are more at risk of dehydration.

Through our partnership with Bank of America we are able to encourage healthy hydration among Meals On Wheels of Tampa’s 1,000+ senior and homebound recipients.

Thank you, Bank of America, for your support!!

If you are interested in helping us fund the WOW! program in the future, please contact Kristin at K.Maximo@MOWTampa.org.