Life today is a mix of work, family, and leisure. With the increase in lifestyle changes in recent years, people spend more time indoors than outdoors, which leads to dehydration. Depending on the stages of age and health status, the elderly are at greater risk of dehydration and developing complications.

Knowing what causes dehydration in the elderly and how to treat it is key to keeping them safe at home. Just taking a few quick steps can prevent dehydration.

This guide will discuss the most common causes of dehydration in seniors, its symptoms, and remedies.

What is Dehydration, and Why Is it Important?

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration impairs your body’s ability to function. There are many complications caused by this, ranging from mild to life-threatening, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), heat stroke, heart problems, kidney failure, and blood clots.

Dehydration is more prevalent in the elderly due to underlying medical conditions and a lack of awareness of the symptoms.

This is why it’s so important to pay attention to symptoms of dehydration in seniors. If not treated quickly, severe dehydration can lead to deadly complications.

Factors Associated With Dehydration In Older Adults

As we age, our bodies change, leading to mild, moderate, or even severe dehydration. Caregivers need to be aware of these factors and ensure that the senior is always properly hydrated.

Your senior’s health and adaptation to dehydration can be affected by several factors. These include;

1. Age:

Dehydration is more common among older adults because they tend to have more complicated health issues and take more medications. In addition, they’re less likely than younger people to drink enough water throughout the day.

2. Medications:

Some medications can cause dehydration by interfering with fluid balance in the body. These include diuretics (water pills) and beta blockers. Diuretics may cause you to urinate more frequently or have trouble holding your urine. Beta-blockers can make it harder for you to sweat and lose excess body heat through evaporation.

3. Impaired Thirst Sensation:

The sense of thirst may diminish with age, and some people do not drink enough fluids. Thirst response also depends on how well your kidneys work; as kidney function decreases with age, thirst may become less reliable.

4. Diseases & Conditions:

Certain diseases and conditions can make older adults more susceptible to dehydration, including:

• Heart disease – When the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently, it can’t distribute water throughout the body.

• Diabetes – Diabetes makes it harder for the kidneys to filter out waste products from the blood, which means more fluid is excreted through urination. This raises the risk of dehydration in older people with diabetes.

• Kidney Failure – When kidney function is compromised, older adults may not be able to get rid of excess water and salt. It is more difficult to retain fluid due to the reduced absorption of sodium and water.

5. Reduced Mobility:

Older adults who are less mobile, such as those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, are more likely to be dehydrated than those who are independent and mobile. This is because they tend to have difficulty accessing food, drinking water, and using the bathroom on their own

What Are the Common Causes and Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors?

Early symptoms of dehydration in seniors may be mild and not always apparent, making it difficult for you to recognize the problem. In addition, the elderly often have a reduced sense of smell or taste, which can make detecting dehydration even harder.

However, not all symptoms of dehydration in older adults are mild and not always apparent. Listed below are the most common causes and symptoms of dehydration, along with tips on recognizing them.

Most Common Causes of Dehydration in Seniors

1. No Urination or Poor Urination After Drinking Water

The presence of urine indicates that your body is absorbing fluids.

If you’re dehydrated, you may be unable to eliminate enough water and salt through the urine.

2. Not Drinking Enough Fluids

Drinking water throughout the day is an essential part of preventing dehydration. The elderly may not drink enough water because they’re not thirsty or out of habit.

3. Heat Exposure:

Heat exposure is the most common cause of dehydration in older adults. It can cause dehydration by causing you to sweat more than usual or increasing your need for water and electrolytes. Heat exposure also increases your risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

4. Complex Medical Conditions

Older adults have a greater risk of dehydration because they may have complex medical conditions that make them more susceptible to fluid loss. Some suffer from chronic heart conditions, while others have chronic kidney disease, bladder problems, or intestinal disorders.

5. Loss of Appetite:

Older adults may be less inclined to eat or drink. This can cause fluid loss and make dehydration worse. Loss of appetite can also be a symptom of another health problem, so it’s important to keep track of fluid intake along with other symptoms.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors

The symptoms of dehydration in older adults can start subtle and not always be obvious. However, over time, they can get more severe and unpleasant. The following are some signs and symptoms of dehydration in seniors:

1. Mild Dehydration Symptoms:

Dry mouth
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle Cramps
Dark Urine
Headache

These symptoms of mild dehydration can often be ignored as your older loved ones get older. However, if you suddenly notice these signs and symptoms, it may be a sign that something more serious is happening.

2. Moderate Dehydration Symptoms:

Decreased urine output
Nausea or vomiting
Dry skin or cracked lips
Weak pulse
Fatigue
Sunken eyes
Stuffy nose or throat

When you notice these symptoms of moderate dehydration coming on, you should take action. Dehydration that’s not treated or too much fluid loss can lead to a life-threatening condition.

3. Severe Dehydration Symptoms:

Low blood pressure
Extreme weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Sunken eyes and hollow cheeks
Confusion or delirium
Muscle cramps or pain
Decreased urine output

Seek immediate medical attention for severe dehydration. The condition can cause a heart attack, kidney failure, or even death. With the right treatment, you can be on your way to recovery in no time.

Alternative Remedies for Dehydration in Seniors

If you’ve noticed your older loved one is suffering from dehydration, there are some ways you can rehydrate. Treating dehydration can help your loved one recover quickly and avoid serious complications.

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids:

The best way to rehydrate is to drink plenty of fluids. Water is an ideal choice, but you can also include other drinks or foods high in water content and electrolytes. If your loved one has trouble swallowing liquids, ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORS contains sugar, salt, and minerals that replace what’s lost through sweating and urination.

2. Avoid Heat Exposure:

Heat can have a variety of effects on the body, and when seniors are in extreme temperatures, the results can be even more severe on their bodies. The elderly should avoid excessive heat and stay cool and ventilated, especially if they suffer from dehydration. It is essential to monitor your loved ones when they are out in the sun for any length of time.

3. Get Plenty of Rest:

Rest is crucial for rehydration. It is good for the health of your loved ones and slows down the process of aging. Overdoing work or other activities without taking a break can lead to exhaustion and chronic illness. That’s why rest is essential in the life of seniors, especially after a long day of activities.

4. Seek Medical Attention:

If you discern your loved one is showing symptoms of dehydration, do not take chances. Dehydration can lead to a variety of complications if it is ignored. If you notice your loved one feeling weak or tired, ask them what they ate or drank earlier. If they don’t drink enough water and their urine output is less than normal, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Avoid Mistaken Treatments:

Caregivers and medical professionals use plenty of treatments to treat dehydration. However, the best treatment is prevention. It is essential to monitor your loved ones and keep an eye on their health. Most of the time, treating dehydration isn’t necessary. However, get medical attention if you notice your loved one is getting worse.

Conclusion

Dehydration is an underrated problem that affects seniors and their caregivers every day. If you’re concerned about any symptoms of dehydration, don’t sit back and ignore them. When you notice your loved one is showing signs of dehydration, get help immediately. Talk to your loved ones about hydration, set reminders for them to drink enough water, or talk to your doctor about how you can help your older loved ones stay hydrated.

Are you looking for a trusted facility that can help your loved ones stay healthy? Or have a loved one who needs help taking care of themselves? Worry no more! Serenity Senior Care is here to give you peace of mind.

We provide the best care to our seniors and ensure they feel safe and at home. With an array of services and amenities tailored to all ages, there’s no reason for your loved ones to be anywhere else.

We are committed to providing our seniors with the best care in a compassionate and respectful environment. We take care of the physical and emotional needs of our residents. In addition, our friendly and helpful staff is always on hand to provide companionship, advice, and help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to serving you!

Dehydration In The Elderly: Recognizing the Common Causes and Symptoms