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The importance of staying hydrated has been drilled into our memory since before we could walk. When 60% of the human body is made up of water, you can tell that without it, we are just a machine without engine oil.
So, what happens when we are dehydrated and how does it affect the human body, particularly the elderly? There are many symptoms of dehydration in the elderly to watch out for. At BoomersHub, we feel it is best to stay well-informed, especially regarding serious health matters for seniors.
How dehydration affects elderly women
The human body finds it difficult to retain water and stay hydrated as it ages. Hence, the elderly, particularly women, are more prone to being dehydrated. As the body ages, it loses more water than it absorbs. Even 5%-6% water loss can affect seniors in many ways.
Due to dehydration, they suffer from constipation often and feel tired, which leads to loss of balance due to lack of electrolysis. Furthermore, dehydration in seniors affects their internal organs, which are vulnerable to kidney problems.
Most common symptoms of dehydration in seniors
Severe tiredness
Low water intake will cause dehydration in the elderly, which can lead them to suffer from a constant, weak, and tired state.
Dipped eyes
Their eyes will become even more sunken. This is commonly known as ‘tired eyes’ among the elderly.
A decline in urination
Even the smallest drop in water intake will cause urination volume to drop.
Muscle cramps
Low blood pressure and a low level of oxygen mean movement difficulty and muscle cramps.
Dry lips
Dehydration will cause dry lips for the elderly and often create dry, pasty mucus near the mouth.
Headaches
Lack of oxygen from low intake of water will cause headaches, and this will lead to a feeling of nausea or even bring about severe dizziness.
Confusion
As dehydration causes low levels of oxygen in the body, this can lead to forgetfulness or a state of confusion. It can often cause hallucinations.
Deep breathing
Increased heart rate will cause deep, heavy breathing in the elderly.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
One of the most common symptoms of dehydration in an elderly woman is a urinary tract infection. This results in the pain worsening and a reduction in urination.
Prolonged diarrhea and vomiting
When water and sodium are absent simultaneously in the body, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Potential complications & risk factors of dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration in seniors can also have life-threatening worries that can lead to severe physical complications. The following are the most vital risk factors associated with dehydration.
Low blood pressure
Due to low oxygen levels, blood pressure drops, and this can lead to a hypovolemic shock.
Kidney failure
Kidney functions deteriorate as the body ages. For the elderly, dehydration means they lose water through urination.
Underlying health conditions
Even the slightest drop in the water level inside a person’s body can trigger pre-existing health conditions. Particularly the elderly. For example, if you are looking for symptoms of dehydration in an elderly woman, then check for UTI.
Seizures
Due to an imbalance of electrolytes from dehydration, the heart can be put under severe strain. This will, of course, reduce the amount of blood in the body, which could result in a shock.
Tips to prevent dehydration in the elderly
Drink enough water
Drink as much as your body can handle or as much the doctor prescribes. It is good to even hydrate yourself little by little. Fruits, milk, and tea are some great ways to intake water and stay hydrated. The percentage of water in our bodies varies depending on our age.
Introduce a water-rich diet
By including foods that have high water content in your diet, you are ensuring that elderly seniors can stay hydrated. For example, specific fruits, low-sodium broths, or soups are excellent sources.
Consult a doctor
It is better to be safe than sorry. Signs of dehydration in elderly women are a concern, as it can lead to UTI. Consult a medical professional about the health condition of the elderly senior and the specifics of staying hydrated. Doctors can provide the best course of action for hydrating according to the patient’s condition.
Treating dehydration in the elderly at home
When you have someone dear at home, or a caregiver to an elderly senior, there are several simple steps you can follow to ensure they do not dehydrate.
Remind to hydrate
Always be active and remind yourself and the elderly senior to keep hydrating themselves, throughout the day. There are drinks with electrolytes that not only help hydrate but reduce muscle cramps.
Keep fruits nearby
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a snack, a meal, or even hydrate is by eating fruits. Keep water-rich fruits nearby elderly seniors like celery, cucumber, and watermelons even.
Make water accessible
Keep water accessible or within arm’s reach. At the same time, it is best to ensure quick access to the kitchen or bathroom, so the elderly person can access these locations easily.
Final thoughts
There is only a singular solution to dehydration, especially for the elderly. That is to ensure they drink enough fluids. Pay attention to the water intake of seniors in your care. If required, keep some fruits that are rich in water nearby an elderly person.
Sometimes, the safest course of action is to see what the symptoms are. Then consult a medical professional on how your elderly person should be treated.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest way to hydrate an elderly person?
Try to include foods that are already rich in water. Fruits like cucumber, watermelon, celery, and tomatoes are a great way to get water for the elderly. Similarly, elderly women and men could have soups or broths more quickly, as they are a good source of electrolytes.
2. Does dehydration cause confusion in the elderly?
It can confuse the elderly, as the body does not absorb enough water, which can cause imbalance, leading to a confused state. When in a confused state, they experience foggy, blurry vision. This is brought on by shrinking brain cells from a lack of oxygen from being dehydrated.
3. Can dehydration cause death in the elderly?
Severe complications from dehydration can lead up to an elderly person dying. If unchecked, an elderly person may experience what is known as a hypovolemic shock. A low blood supply shock results from a lack of oxygen and low blood pressure. Other factors like blood clots also can cause death.
4. How many glasses of water should an elderly person drink a day?
It depends on the condition of the older adult. On average, at least six glasses are required to hydrate a senior. How much an older adult can drink that is beneficial for them to stay hydrated depends on their weight and health conditions.
5. Can the elderly drink too much water?
At their age, drinking too much can be a risk, especially for elderly seniors with kidney, heart, and liver problems. Too much water intake for elders can result in water intoxication (dilutional hyponatremia). It is better to consult a medical professional, as the level of water intake will vary from person to person over a certain age.
