Guide to Hydration & Senior Health

As temperatures heat up,

seniors should be particularly
careful about taking steps to
prevent dehydration. The elderly
are susceptible to dehydration
due to a variety of factors. In
fact, dehydration is a leading
cause of hospitalizations among
those over the age of 65. It is
important that both seniors and
their caregivers are aware of the
causes and symptoms of
dehydration as well as steps
they can take to ensure proper
hydration.

Why Are the Elderly Prone to Dehydration?

The physiological changes that accompany the aging process increase the risk of
dehydration. First, the metabolic rate starts to slow, and our level of physical
activity decreases, which means we need fewer calories. As a result, we get less
fluid from our solid diet, which normally accounts for approximately half of our
daily water requirement. Seniors also have a decreased sense of thirst, so they
aturally dri k less. The odys te perature regulatio syste does ot ork as
efficiently as we get older, making seniors more susceptible to the effects of high
temperatures. Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney problems,
and medications may also contribute to the risk for dehydration. Acute illnesses
involving persistent diarrhea, fever, or vomiting can also trigger dehydration in the
elderly.

Symptoms of Dehydration
Fatigue a d lethargy
Heada hes
Mus le ra ps
Dizzi ess
Nausea
De reased uri e output or
dark urine
Dry or sti ky u ous
membranes
Ski that does ot retur to
its normal position when
pinched
Rapid pulse a d respiratio s
Lo lood pressure

Daily Hydration Requirements:

Fluid requirements can

vary depending on the
amount of physical activity
and environmental factors.
As a general rule, seniors
should aim for at least 48
to 64 ounces of water per
day. This increases
anytime there is excess
water loss due to sweating
or urination.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

Eat ore foods that are high i ater

content, such as lettuce, celery,
cauliflower, and melon.
Keep glasses of ater ithi easy rea h
on the nightstand and end table to
encourage drinking.
Use a stra . People te d to o su e
more fluids when drinking through a
straw than when sipping from a cup.
Set a ti er to go off se eral ti es a
hour as a reminder to take several sips of
water.

Address:
6951 Douglas Blvd. Granite Bay, CA 95746

Phone:
916-226-3737

Website:
http://www.homecareassistanceroseville.com