Did you know that the consequences of dehydration in elderly adults are often serious, more so than in younger people? Seniors also have more risk factors for becoming dehydrated. But here’s the good news: Dehydration can be easily prevented. Awareness is the first step in avoiding the health problems that can be caused by a lack of fluids.
Maintaining a healthy balance of water and electrolytes can be an even more complex process for seniors than it is for younger people. As a result, older people are more likely to get dehydrated. And the complications of dehydration in the elderly can be more serious. Dehydration is one of the top 10 reasons for seniors to be hospitalized. And for hospitalized seniors, dehydration can lead to longer stays in intensive care units, increased hospital readmissions, and more placements in long-term care facilities.
Why does the risk of dehydration increase with age? Older adults are prone to dehydration because they can experience several health or lifestyle conditions that lead to low fluid levels. Many seniors experience at least one of the following risk factors:
1. Age-related physical changes
As we age, our bodies contain less water, partly because our kidneys become less efficient. At birth, we are about 75 percent water, but an elderly body is about 50 percent water. However, studies have found that although seniors are at greater risk for dehydration, they drink less water, on average, than younger people. That’s often because seniors experience a weakened sense of thirst, so they don’t always realize when they need to drink something.
Scientists aren’t sure why this happens. But what makes this lack of thirst in elderly people particularly troublesome is that they’re generally dehydrated before they feel thirsty. So, the elderly get dehydrated quickly because they can’t always recognize the signs of needing to take a drink until it’s too late. This reduced sense of thirst is often more pronounced in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia or in those who have had a stroke. Such seniors may also have difficulties swallowing or asking their caregivers for a drink. As a result, seniors with dementia often need their fluid intake to be carefully monitored.
2. Medication side effects
Many medications that are commonly prescribed to seniors can act as diuretics (i.e., they can increase the production of urine) and contribute to dehydration. Side effects of any medication, particularly blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antacids, and heart medications should be discussed with a physician.
3. Incontinence issues
The risk for dehydration associated with incontinence isn’t necessarily caused by the fluid lost through involuntary urination. Rather, it’s related to the fact that many elderly people restrict their fluid intake because they don’t want any awkward accidents. However, it’s important to note that reducing fluid intake doesn’t necessarily prevent incontinence. Drinking more water may actually help some seniors deal with incontinence. Also, when you’re dehydrated, your bladder can become more irritable and vulnerable to bacterial infection. So, staying hydrated can reduce the risk of UTIs. If you restrict your fluid intake because you’re worried about incontinence, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you to determine how much water you should be drinking.
4. Fear of falling
Some seniors resist drinking a lot of water because they worry about falling if they have to get up at night to pee. But being dehydrated is also a risk factor for falling. However, it’s often a good idea to restrict fluids for a couple of hours before bedtime. Again, talk to your healthcare provider in order to figure out what works for you.
5. Living conditions
Seniors in nursing homes are more likely to become dehydrated because they are often dependent on staff members to help them with their fluid intake. The highest risk for dehydration is among seniors who seem to be physically capable of getting a drink but have cognitive issues that cause them to forget to drink. So, nursing homes and memory care facilities need to have policies in place for monitoring fluid intake.
6. Medical issues
Many seniors have medical conditions that can lead to dehydration. Examples of health problems that can result in fluid loss include diarrhea, fever, and diabetes.