As we go into what is typically the hottest month of the summer, it is important to recognize the dangers of dehydration in the elderly and how we can help prevent it. Most body systems and organs are drastically affected by water deprivation. Dehydration can be especially harmful in the elderly, causing harm faster than starvation. A 10 percent loss of body fluids is serious. A 20 percent loss can result in death due to dehydration. A recent study shows that 40% of heat related fatalities in the U.S. were adults age 65 and over.
Some signs of dehydration in an elderly person can include a feeling of sleepiness, being lightheaded, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. In the early stages of dehydration, he or she may experience a dry and/or sticky feeling in the mouth and complain of excessive thirst. The individual may also be noticeably less active than usual.
The elderly are more prone to dehydration for many reasons:
- As younger adults, our bodies have 70% water content compared to the elderly with only 60%. As we age, we lose lean body mass/muscle mass and the water levels decrease.
- The elderly have a lowered thirst response. In a collaborative study between Melbourne’s Howard Florey Institute & University of Texas Research Imaging Center, scientists discovered that a region in the brain called the mid cingulate cortex predicts how much water a person needs, but this region malfunctions in older people. Details of the study are published here in Science Daily
- As we age, our kidneys have a reduced ability to concentrate urine.
- Many medications can lead to increased dehydration. Those who suffer from congestive heart failure or high blood pressure may be taking a diuretics and diuretics affect the body’s fluid balance by eliminating excess fluids.
- Warm environments or slight increases in body temperature create a need for up to 10 percent more fluids, and the ability to notice these changes typically decreases with age.
- Fluid intake may be restricted due to incontinence.
- Older adults suffering from constipation may take laxatives on a regular basis and laxative use causes a loss of needed fluids.
- Swallowing difficulties and generally poor food intake. Remember that many foods contain fluids needed to prevent dehydration.
- Many seniors may already have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat.
Preventing dehydration can be easy, with fluid intake being key. A few helpful guidelines:
- Encourage 8 oz of fluid intake every time medication is taken.
- Make sure at least six cups of fluid drank every day.
- Add fruit ices, fruit juices, popsicles, and gelatin desserts to the diet.
- Infuse water with fruit, mint leaves, etc for a little more flavor…check out this Infused Water Tutorial. Or pump up the excitement of fluids by introducing fun drinks that encourage hydration (no caffeine or alcohol). Serve your senior’s favorite or check out these INS Hydration Recipes.
It is important that family members and caregivers are aware of the risks of dehydration in their senior. Plan ahead, encourage fluid intake and reduce the risks.
