Why It’s Crucial for Older People to Stay Hydrated

As we age it can become more difficult to stay hydrated due to age-related changes within the body.

Drinking enough, or encouraging an older person to do so can be difficult at times, but the following key health risks show how crucial hydration is to health:

• Low blood pressure: If you are dehydrated and have not taken on enough fluids, your blood pressure will drop. This can make you feel weak and dizzy, make your vision blurry and put you at higher risk of fainting or falling. For an older person, drinking enough will help to stabilise blood pressure, therefore helping to decrease their risk of falls.
• Heat stroke: Older adults are at an increased risk of heat stroke, which can occur even when indoors. They may have a reduced ability to regulate heat due to certain medications, medical conditions or dehydration. The body temperature rises so much that the person could become unconscious, and organs may start shutting down. The main ways to avoid heat stroke are by staying hydrated and keeping cool by using fans and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
• Constipation: Most people will have been constipated at some point during their lives and know how uncomfortable it can be. The condition is more common in older adults with nearly two-thirds of people over the age of 65 experiencing constipation. One of the ways that constipation can be relieved is by drinking plenty of water to help soften the stool, making it more comfortable and easier to pass.
• Urinary tract infections: Older people are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you don’t drink enough, you prevent bacteria that may sit in the bladder or the urethra (the tube that urine comes out through), being flushed out of the body. Undiagnosed UTIs can lead to confusion, agitation, decreased appetite and dizziness.

The good news is you can increase your water consumption by having a water jug and glass beside you while you are watching the TV. If you like ice-blocks, have Hydralyte ice blocks in your freezer, ready for you to suck on. Hydralyte drinks are also useful, as they contain minerals and electrolytes that are lost in our hot summers, and can help prevent dehydration. Make sure that you limit the amount of alcohol you consume as this can contribute to dehydration.

If you feel at all unwell due to dehydration, go to your local emergency department for assistance.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Seniors