Hydration and Halloween

A guest blog from Rachel Lewis, Life Story Writer at Memories & Munch, a creative project bringing people together through Food and Storytelling.

Introduction Hydration isn’t just about water; it’s about flavour, fun, and sharing moments. For older people, staying hydrated can boost energy, focus, and wellbeing. Yet, it’s something we often overlook. A recent Age UK report revealed that around 20% of older adults in the UK are dehydrated, and nearly half (47%) of people who experience falls show signs of dehydration.

At Memories & Munch, we believe that food and drink are powerful connectors

- not just sources of nourishment but stories in themselves. Every sip, smell, and shared recipe can spark a memory or begin a new conversation. That’s why our community cookbooks go beyond healthy eating; they encourage creative, social, and sensory experiences that help older people feel part of something special.

As well as celebrating a food story or memory, our cookbooks offer seasonal ideas to blend nostalgia with nutrition.

One of our favourite ideas at this time of year is to celebrate Halloween by setting up a Potion Station where residents or families can create colourful mocktails, invent spooky names, and share stories as they mix and sip together.

Here are some of our top tipples:

Black Magic

Ingredients

• 500 ml black grape juice

• 250 ml sparkling water

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

• Ice cubes

• Lime slices or blackberries (to garnish)

Nutritional & Hydration Benefits

• Black grapes are rich in antioxidants, particularly resveratrol and flavonoids, which support heart health and circulation.

• Grape juice contains potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

• Sparkling water adds hydration without added sugar.

• Lime juice provides vitamin C, supporting immunity and iron absorption.

• The combination of fruit sugars and fluids makes this a refreshing way to encourage fluid intake, especially for those who find plain water less appealing.

Vampire’s Kiss

Ingredients

• 400 ml pomegranate juice

• 200 ml soda or sparkling mineral water

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)

• Ice cubes

• Red sugar rim (granulated sugar + red colouring or raspberry powder)

Nutritional & Hydration Benefits

• Pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, which may reduce inflammation and support circulation.

• A small serving (200 ml) provides about 10% of daily potassium needs and antioxidants linked to heart health.

• Mixing with sparkling water reduces sugar concentration while improving hydration.

• Lime adds vitamin C, and honey offers natural energy, helpful for older adults with reduced appetite.

• The vivid colour and fizz make it festive and engaging, encouraging people to drink more often.

Witch’s Brew

Ingredients

• 1 litre of water

• 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves

• 1 orange, sliced thinly

• Ice cubes

Nutritional & Hydration Benefits

• Infused waters like this make hydration more appealing with subtle, refreshing flavour.

• Mint aids digestion and stimulates appetite, while orange provides natural sweetness and vitamin C.

• Visually appealing and easy to prepare in jugs, perfect for communal tables, day centres, or family gatherings.

• Encourages the “little and often” approach to hydration, which is ideal for older adults.

Why Hydration Matters

As we age, the body’s thirst response becomes less reliable, increasing the risk of dehydration. This can affect concentration, energy, and even balance, increasing the risk of falls. Social and sensory experiences, like shared mealtimes or creative workshops, have been shown to improve hydration habits. When people enjoy the taste, appearance, and meaning behind what they’re drinking, they’re more likely to keep sipping.

At Memories & Munch, we use these moments to open conversations about health, independence, and heritage. A glass of Witch’s Brew isn’t just a drink - it’s a spark for memory-sharing and connection. So, whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a care home event, or a local day-centre workshop, a simple Potion Station can bring people together - turning a glass of flavoured water into laughter, storytelling, and wellbeing.

If you’re a carer, activity coordinator, or local organisation in Hampshire or Surrey, we’d love to collaborate with you to run a Memories & Munch session in your community. The project can be adapted for care homes, community groups, or day centres - offering a joyful, evidence-based way to explore nutrition, heritage, and memory.

Find out more - contact rachel@thelifestoryteam.com