Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Show Your body needs water for a variety of processes, including regulating your temperature, getting rid of wastes, and lubricating your joints. Staying hydrated is particularly important as you get older. An older adult who’s dehydrated may be at a higher risk for complications like:
Read on to learn more about why older adults are more prone to dehydration, the symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to help prevent dehydration. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration for several reasons. Dehydration can have a variety of causes. Below are some of the most common causes of dehydration in older adults:
Treatment for dehydration involves replacing the fluids that have been lost. For mild to moderate dehydration, this includes drinking water or other fluids, such as juices or broths. Sometimes, vomiting or diarrhea can lead to a significant loss of electrolytes as well as water. In these situations, drinking beverages that contain electrolytes may be helpful. Examples include sports drinks and Pedialyte. If dehydration is more severe, hospitalization may be needed. In this situation, fluids and electrolytes will be given intravenously. If you’re an older adult, the following tips may help you stay well hydrated:
If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, you can do the following to help prevent dehydration:
Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration. There are many reasons for this, including lower fluid content in the body, decreased thirst response, and medications or underlying health conditions. Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration is important so you can work to replace lost fluids. Look out for symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and lightheadedness. Treating dehydration involves replacing lost fluids. You can work to prevent dehydration by making sure you regularly take in fluids throughout the day. This can include water, juices, broths, or foods with high water content. If you’re unsure of your hydration needs, talk to your doctor to find out how much water you should be drinking each day. What are the 4 main factors that contribute to dehydration?The causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. Individuals more at risk of dehydration include athletes, people at higher altitudes, and older adults. Early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, and dizziness.
What is the major risk of dehydration?Severe (Over 10 Percent)
Severe dehydration can be life-threatening, says Arkun. Fainting and seizures can occur, the latter due to electrolyte abnormalities. If you fall into this category, seek medical attention immediately. A health professional may give you intravenous hydration with water and sodium chloride.
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