Hydration In Older Adults
As we head into the hot summer months, it is important to talk about hydration. An adult body is composed of 60% water, and blood is 90% water. Water is essential for so many of our bodily functions. It is vital for kidney function, electrolyte balance, blood flow, temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and aids in digestion. The elderly can be especially sensitive to dehydration, and it can cause many complications including confusion, fainting, dizziness, constipation, muscle pain, low blood pressure, heat exhaustion, and fatigue.Some signs of dehydration in the elderly include:
- Feeling unquenchable thirst
- Few or no tears
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Not urinating frequently
- Dark-colored urine
- Unexplained tiredness
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Confusion
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Feeling irritable and disoriented
- Sleepier than usual without reason
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Bloody or black stool
As we get older, we tend not to be as thirsty, and it can be difficult to get in the water that is needed. It is recommended that older adults should drink at least 57.5 ounces a day, which equates to approximately 7-8 eight-ounce glasses of water. If you are not a fan of plain water, try adding things like fresh fruit to add a bit of flavor. Some ideas are lemons, limes, oranges, cucumbers, strawberries, or fresh mint. Another tip is to always have water available, so it serves as a reminder to drink more water. Experiment with different temperatures of water, as some people like their water very cold, while others prefer to drink water at room temperature. If it isn’t possible to get in the necessary water, try supplementing with something like Pedialyte, decaffeinated tea, or Gatorade (if the elder is diabetic, please be mindful of sugar content). Remember though, that water is best.
