Dehydration in Seniors – Signs and Symptoms

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Early recognition of these symptoms will help you avoid major problems. Here’s an overview of dehydration in seniors, where we look at warning signs to watch out for and offer tips on how to properly remain hydrated. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  

Our bodies change with age, and these changes can raise our risk of dehydration.2 The following explains some possible causes of dehydration in seniors and why it’s more frequent compared to younger people:

Reduced Response to Thirst

Our bodies primarily employ thirst as a means of indicating dehydration. But the body’s natural thirst system loses efficacy as we age. Seniors may find it more difficult to maintain their hydration levels, as they might not feel thirsty even when they need to drink water.3

Decreased Kidney Function

The kidneys play a very important role in maintaining the fluid balance of the body. Older persons often have declining renal function, so the kidneys might not be as efficient in conserving water as they used to be.4 This can cause a more rapid loss of fluids, which fuels dehydration.

Chronic Illnesses

Many seniors suffer from chronic illnesses. These include renal diseases, heart problems, and diabetes. Because of their impact on fluid retention and loss, these disorders can complicate the proper management of hydration.5

Medications

Diuretics and laxatives, among other medications, cause an increased frequency of urine or bowel movements, which leads to greater fluid loss. Older people on these medications should especially be careful about maintaining proper hydration.6, 7, 8, 9

We know that not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. But there are other variables that play a role here. Let’s look at some typical factors specific to seniors:

Medical Conditions That Result in Fluid Loss

Rapid fluid loss can result from fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms last more than one day, seniors who encounter them are considerably more likely to become dehydrated and could require urgent medical intervention.7

Excessive Perspiration

The body sweats to remove fluids during strenuous exercise or hot conditions. This fluid has to be replenished throughout the day, particularly in seniors whose bodies may already have a hard time retaining water.8

Increased Urination

Diseases like unmanaged diabetes can cause too much urine, which quickly drains the body’s fluids below normal. Seniors need to be aware of any notable changes in their bathroom habits, as these might indicate a higher hydration demand.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Dehydration doesn’t usually show up with obvious symptoms. More often than not, it begins with minor symptoms that are easy to overlook. With that in mind, let’s talk about some indicators to be on the lookout for.10

Saliva Sticky and Dry Mouth

Among the first symptoms of dehydration are dry, sticky lips. Seniors experiencing this sign might already be suffering from significant fluid loss.11

Dark Urine

When the body is low in fluids, the urine looks darker and is more concentrated. Any variations in urine color should serve as a red flag to seniors, as it’s often an indicator of dehydration.12

Fatigue and Weakness

Dehydration changes the energy levels in the body, which results in either inexplicable fatigue or general weakness. If a senior begins to feel fatigued without clear reason, dehydration is most likely the cause.13

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If one feels lightheaded or dizzy, especially right after standing up, dehydration might have already started to lower blood pressure. Seniors should be careful here, as this symptom could also increase their chance of falling.14

Frustration or Confusion

Dehydration can impair brain function, leading to confusion, irritability, or difficulties focusing. Seniors should not ignore these signs, particularly in those with cognitive issues like dementia. Dehydration can develop quickly, so it’s important to be mindful of this.15

Limited Sweating and Dry Skin

A dehydrated body can make the skin feel dry or less elastic. Seniors may also discover that, particularly in warm weather or after strenuous exertion, they are sweating less than usual.16, 17, 18

When severe dehydration strikes, quick medical assistance is needed. These symptoms point to dehydration approaching a critical level:

Inability to Keep Fluids Down

If a senior is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea and can’t retain fluids, serious dehydration can quickly follow.

Persistent Fever

An untreated high fever might lead to dangerously rapid fluid loss. While seniors with a fever should make sure they are consistently drinking water, medical attention might be required should the fever linger.17

Black or Bloody Stool

If dehydration is followed by blood in the stool or a black, tar-like appearance, it might point to a major underlying illness that requires immediate treatment.18, 19, 20, 21, 22

Stopping dehydration from starting in the first place is the most effective way to treat it. Here are some practical ideas that seniors can employ to ensure consistent hydration:

Drink Throughout the Day

Seniors should try to routinely drink water even if they don’t feel thirsty. Setting reminders or implementing a routine will help maintain hydration. Water can sometimes become complacent and less desirable. Mix it up with refreshing fluids that will entice the desire to drink.19

Incorporate Hydrating Foods

It’s important to eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content daily. These include cucumbers, oranges, and melons, all of which can help you stay hydrated. Consider adding soups, broths, and smoothies to your diet to help increase fluid intake.20

Check Medications

Seniors who take medications that interfere with their fluid balance should see a healthcare physician. A doctor can provide guidance and direction for how to safely take medicines and manage medical problems while staying hydrated.21

Steer Clear of Dehydrating Beverages

Alcohol, soda, and coffee all have the potential to cause dehydration. To stay hydrated, seniors should limit these drinks and concentrate on water, herbal teas, or beverages with extra electrolytes, like Sqwincher® products.22

Stay Hydrated with Sqwincher® products

Maintaining our health requires us to be hydrated, and this is particularly true for seniors who might not always feel thirsty or recognize early indications of dehydration.

The Sqwincher® brand understands that everyone has unique hydration requirements, especially those who run the danger of dehydration. Our electrolyte-rich hydration solutions help you remain balanced and hydrated all day long by helping the body replace electrolytes lost in any number of ways.

You can trust the Sqwincher® brand to help you maintain appropriate hydration and feel your best with our unique low-sodium formula. Try it today.

Sources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-dehydration-in-older-adults
  2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/drink-up-dehydration-is-an-often-overlooked-health-risk-for-seniors
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10255140/
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521
  5. https://www.kidney.org/aging-and-kidney-disease
  6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21826-diuretics
  7. https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-dehydration-in-elderly
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1895359/
  9. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/sexual-bladder-problems
  10. https://www.health.com/dehydration-symptoms-7480908
  11. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/dry-mouth/
  12. https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-urine
  13. https://seniorservicesofamerica.com/blog/what-are-symptoms-of-dehydration-in-elderly-people/
  14. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/lightheaded-top-5-reasons-you-might-feel-woozy
  15. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/can-dehydration-impair-cognitive-function
  16. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dehydrated-skin
  17. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-dehydration-in-older-adults
  18. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
  19. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/drink-up-dehydration-is-an-often-overlooked-health-risk-for-seniors
  20. https://www.sharp.com/health-news/stay-hydrated-by-eating-these-11-foods
  21. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0301/p331-s1.html
  22. https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-stay-hydrated-for-better-health/
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