Seniors are not only at an increased risk of lacking proper hydration, but also the serious health complications from being dehydrated.
Severe or untreated chronic dehydration can lead to several conditions that caregivers should be aware of:
- Urinary tract infections, kidney stones or kidney failure
- Electrolyte problems that can lead to heart trouble or seizures
- Low blood volume (hypovolemic shock) that can be life-threatening
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Confusion, anxiety and disorientation
There are a number of factors that make older adults more susceptible to suffer from dehydration:
Less Total Body Fluid
The amount of fluid in your body decreases with age. Since you have fewer water reserves available for your body to use, any further decrease in water intake has a larger effect.
Decreased Thirst Response
The feeling of thirst decreases with age. Older adults’ bodies may not let them know when they need to drink more water.
Decreased Kidney Function
Some seniors can experience decreased kidney function with age. They may lose more water with urination than when they were younger.
Medications and Underlying Health Conditions
Senior adults are more likely to have underlying health conditions that require them to take medication. Some medications can cause increased urination and water loss. There’s no set formula to tell you how much a senior adult should drink in a day. This varies depending on their health status, activity level and the climate they live in.
How Much Water Should an Older Adult Drink in a Day?
A study from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined the following levels to represent adequate fluid intake, however, individual needs may vary.
- MEN: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day
- WOMEN: About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day
These recommendations are for total daily fluid intake which covers water, food and any other drinks. They also estimated that about 20% of fluid intake comes from food each day.
Maintaining hydration is a serious concern for caregivers of older adults. The good news is it can be easily managed and worked into a daily care routine.
Pro Tip for Hydration
Keep water handy. This might sound basic but don’t underestimate how effective this simple measure could be. For seniors who experience mobility issues, it can be hard to get up, walk to the kitchen and refill a drink. Keeping a water bottle convenient and nearby means water is always within reach. It also provides a visual cue to consume more water.