Hydration
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- Older adults are at increased risk for dehydration because of age-related changes.
- Signs of dehydration include skin tenting in the forehead, concentrated urine, dizziness, increased heart rate, dryness in the nose and mouth, constipation, and acute confusion.
- Healthy older adults should aim for 1.5 – 2 litres (6 – 8 glasses) of liquid intake per day.
- Water is a nutrient and an essential component of the body for maintaining life. Water transports wastes, supports tissue and cell structure, and regulates temperature.
- The lack of water in the body – dehydration – may result from either a decrease in fluid intake or an increase in fluid loss. Dehydration can be an important factor in illness and even death.
- Older people are especially prone to dehydration because of age-related changes in how water is used in the body.
- It is essential that caregivers understand how to identify, and prevent, this potentially life-threatening condition.
| Age-Related Changes |
Certain aging changes increase the older person's risk of developing dehydration.
- The function of the kidneys, which helps to regulate fluid, declines with aging.
- The ability to recognize thirst decreases with aging -- sometimes older people don't realize they are thirsty.
- With aging, the amount of body water decreases. So even a small change in fluid intake can cause dehydration.
The following factors can lead to fluid loss and dehydration:
- kidney problems or diabetes
- medications such as diuretics (water pills) increase the amount of fluid excreted from the body
- conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia may cause swallowing difficulties that can lead to a decrease in fluid intake
Signs of dehydration include:
- dry mouth and nose
- loose and/or dry skin
- skin "tenting" in the forehead
- increased tiredness and/or weakness
- restlessness
- sudden (acute) confusion
- concentrated urine
- dizziness and orthostatic hypotension (standing causes sudden drop in blood pressure, feeling dizzy, and even fainting)
- increased heart rate
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
To help avoid dehydration, older adults should be encouraged to:
- Identify medications that may cause fluid loss, e.g., diuretics (water pills).
- Drink 1.5 – 2 litres (6 – 8 glasses) of fluids per day (unless medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, rule out this amount).
- Keep a variety of beverages available (that are okay with your specific diet, e.g., diabetes), as well as foods containing water (e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt).
- Drink frequently during the daytime, rather than drinking large amounts at one time.
Seek medical attention:
- if symptoms of dehydration persist, or
- if you observe swallowing difficulties such as choking or coughing excessively after eating or drinking
Dietitians of Canada
- Main Website: The Dietitians of Canada website provides information on healthy eating and dietary options.
- Beat The Heat With Lots of Fluids: An article that provides information about water, including tips for adequate hydration.
- Main Website: The purpose of Canada's Food Guide is to guide food selection and promote the nutritional health of Canadians.
- Beverages: Information about choosing and enjoying beverages.
- A succinct article explaining why water is important for seniors as well as providing both good and bad examples of fluids.
- A comprehensive article from the Mayo Clinic about dehydration, including signs and symptoms, causes, complications, treatment and prevention.
- An overview by HealthyOntario.com about Dehydration.
- The Importance of Water includes information about dehydration and the elderly and taking a proactive approach to preventing dehydration.
- This webpage answers the question, "Why is water so important for my body?"