Your body needs water to cleanse itself. Drinking water cleans out your kidneys and keeps things flowing just like Fiber, but in different ways. The thing about 8 glasses is pretty vague though and you need to work up to it. Just try adding an extra glass every few days and eventually your body will start to crave it when you don't get it.
And by the way, studies do show that you ability to feel "thirsty" can decrease with age. That doesn't mean your "need" decrease
PS. Some people find it easier to drink water through a straw.
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