H2O Consumption Especially Important in Older Adults
by Peggy Kraus
Exclusive to
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Water is the most abundant compound in the human body. Dehydration—or loss of water from the body—is one of the most common reasons older people are hospitalized every year.
There are some simple causes of dehydration that can affect people of all ages, including:
• Regularly engaging in exercise without properly replenishing lost fluids.
• Continuously consuming too much alcohol or caffeine, which act as diuretics (water removers).
• Not drinking the recommended amount of water and fluids over an extended period.
Older people have additional factors that can make them more prone to chronic dehydration. We will take a look at some of these factors and explore ways to fight dehydration.
Dehydration Risks
There are actually two forms of dehydration. The water loss that happens from exercise is called temporary dehydration. For most people, this form of dehydration is combated easily, by drinking water or a substance that replaces both fluid and minerals, like certain sports drinks. Watch out for the sugar content in the latter.
Many people are also prone to chronic mild dehydration, defined as a 1 to 2 percent decrease in body weight from fluid loss which lasts for an extended length of time. A 150 pound person who suffers from chronic mild dehydration would lose 1.5 to three pounds of fluid.
There are numerous reasons why older people are susceptible to chronic dehydration, including:
• A more sedentary lifestyle, which can cause a decrease in muscle and an increase in fat deposits. This increases your susceptibility to dehydration.
• They may intentionally drink less water to try and compensate for bladder problems, or for puffy ankles caused by retaining water.
• Some older people have a diminished sense of thirst. That means they can drink enough to feel satisfied, but still actually be dehydrated.