« Make healthy hydration the new norm »
« Make healthy hydration the new norm »
Summary Risks Concerns Consequences Recommendations Conclusion References Quiz
Summary Risks Concerns Consequences Recommendations Conclusion References Quiz

Hydration in the Aging

A summary of the current scientific evidence of hydration in the aging population with a specific focus on the causes, consequences and management of dehydration.

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Risks

Introduction

Because it has numerous functions in the human body, water is one of the most important nutrients and is essential in every life stage. However, with aging, the body’s mechanisms of water balance are disturbed, increasing the risk of dehydration among the elderly. Dehydration is indeed the most common fluid disorder among older persons, and it can have considerable clinical impact (Hodgkinson et al. 2003; Faes 2007). 
Existing evidence suggests high rates of dehydration in the elderly population (Begumand Johnson 2010; Himmelstein et al. 1983; Warren et al. 1994; Snyder et al. 1987; Bennett et al. 2004; Mentes et al. 2006a; O’Neill et al. 1990; Bourdel-Marchasson et al. 2004; Forsyth et al. 2008; Stookey et al. 2005a; Stookey 2005b), and dehydration is one of the ten most frequent diagnoses reported for hospitalisations of persons over 65 in the United States (Sheehy et al. 1999). More and more studies demonstrate the importance of preventing and managing dehydration to reduce its side-effects in this population (Faes 2007).

This document summarises the current scientific evidence on hydration in the aging population with a specific focus on the causes, consequences and management of dehydration.

I. The elderly: a population at risk of dehydration

Although there is no absolute definition, dehydration is typically defined as depletion in total body water content due to fluid losses, diminished fluid intake, or a combination of both (Begum and Johnson 2010).

Depending on the ratio between sodium and water losses, dehydration can be classified as isotonic (equal loss in sodium and water – example: diarrhoea), hypertonic (excess loss of water compared to sodium – example: fever) or hypotonic (excess loss of sodium compared to water – example: overuse of diuretics) (EFSA 2010).

In the elderly, several parameters can increase the risk of dehydration, the most important ones being the age-related physiological changes.

Figure 1 - Age-related decrease in water body content

I.1.2. Thirst sensation

The elderly often experience reduced thirst sensation which leads to decreased fluid consumption, especially following water deprivation (Schols et al. 2009; Kenney and Chiu 2001). Several hypotheses have been proposed, such as alteration in osmo- and baroreceptor function and changes in hormones and neurotransmitters (depletion of dopamine levels – a neurotransmitter involved in thirst induction –, increased level of plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide – ANP, a well-recognised thirst inhibitor – etc.) (Silver 1990; Wilson 1999). Due to this impaired regulation of thirst, older individuals often do not drink enough to properly rehydrate themselves after fluid deprivation (Sheehy et al. 1999; Kenney and Chiu 2001).

I.1.3.Kidney function

Also as a consequence of aging, renal water conservation is impaired. Aged kidneys are less able to concentrate urine, and thereby to retain water during water deprivation (Bennett 2000). Age-related lower responsiveness of the kidney to the Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH), is thought to play an important role in this loss of renal function (Sheehy et al. 1999).

In addition, aging kidneys have a lower ability to adequately regulate sodium excretion (Silver 1990).

Thus, in older individuals, aged-related physiological changes occur and these make the body less able to maintain water homeostasis (Schols et al. 2009) (Figure 2).

I.2. Additional factors

In addition to age-related physiological changes in the body, numerous other factors can put the elderly at increased risk of dehydration (Figure 3). The more risk factors, the greater the likelihood for dehydration (Wotton et al. 2008).
Aging is associated with limitations such as reduced swallowing capacity, reduced mobility, or comprehension and communication disorders, which can lead to insufficient fluid intake. Disease-related factors, such as fever, diabetes, or incontinence can increase water losses (Mentes 2006b; Weinberg et al. 1994; Feinsod et al. 2002). Dehydration may also be caused by environmental factors (warm temperature, inadequate knowledge or the lack of time of care workers in institutions contributing to inadequate fluid intake…) or iatrogenic factors (medications including laxatives, diuretics or angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors, and medical procedures such as those requiring fasting) (Faes 2007; Mentes 2006b; Amella 2004; Dyck 2007).

Concerns

II. Dehydration: an actual concern on the elderly population

II.1. Dehydration prevalence in the elderly

Despite its high relevance in public health, prevalence of dehydration has been poorly investigated, especially in healthy community-dwelling elderly (not in assisted living or nursing home) (Stookey et al. 2005a).

Nevertheless, existing evidence is strongly suggestive of high rates of dehydration in the elderly within hospitals and other healthcare institutions (Begum and Johnson 2010; Himmelstein et al. 1983; Warren et al. 1994; Snyder et al. 1987; Bennett et al. 2004; Mentes et al. 2006a; O’Neill et al. 1990; Bourdel-Marchasson et al. 2004; Forsyth et al. 2008). In fact, dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalisation of older adults and one of the ten most frequent diagnoses responsible for hospitalisation in the United States (Sheehy et al. 1999). Studies in nursing homes also reveal high rates of dehydration in this population. For instance, one study indicates that the prevalence of dehydration in older residents of continuing care facilities was as high as 88% when assessed by plasma osmolality (O’Neill et al. 1990). Another study is also suggestive of a high prevalence, by showing that 31% of nursing home residents encountered dehydration defined as high blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio, hospitalisation and administration of intravenous fluids for rehydration (Mentes 2006c). This is in line with studies indicating that between 50% to 92% of nursing home residents have inadequate fluid intakes (Mentes and Kulp 2003).

In contrast, data are more conflicting in the community-dwelling elderly (Stookey 2005b).
While some studies found no evidence of dehydration (Morgan et al. 2003; Bossingham et al. 2005), one found that the prevalence of hypertonicity, a measure of dehydration, may be as high as 60% (Stookey 2005b). It is likely that actual prevalence of dehydration among community-dwelling elderly adults varies depending on the indicator used to define hydration (Stookey et al. 2005a).

II.2. The elderly show inadequate fluid intake

II.2.1. What are the fluid intake recommendations for the aging?

As daily water needs strongly depend on various factors like fluid losses and dietary composition, the estimation of water requirement is highly variable and quite complex. This is particularly true for the elderly for whom health conditions such as congestive heart failure and kidney diseases or medication use (diuretics or laxatives) highly influence fluid needs (Volkert et al. 2005).

Only a few countries have established national recommendations for fluid intakes (Popkin et al. 2010) and existing recommendations vary between countries (EFSA 2010; IoM 2004). For instance, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science in the United States defined in 2005 a recommendation for total fluid intake (water provided from beverages and foods) of 3.7L and 2.5L for the elderly men and women respectively (IoM 2004). In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority has recently set a reference value for total fluid intake (water provided from beverages and foods) of 2.5L for elderly men and 2L for elderly women (EFSA 2010).

II.2.2. How much water do elderly people drink?

Despite the general consensus that an appropriate level of fluid intake is essential for health, little work has been done to date to measure total fluid intake, especially in the older population (Popkin et al. 2010; Bellisle et al. 2010).

The few studies, including nationally-representative studies, addressing the measurement of fluid intake in the elderly (Volkert et al. 2005; Bellisle et al. 2010; Haveman-Nies et al. 1997; Raman et al. 2004; Zizza et al. 2009; Kant et al. 2009) reveal that total fluid intake steadily decreases with age within the elderly population and that this decrease is mainly driven by a decrease in water intake from beverages (including drinking water) (Volkert et al. 2005; Raman et al. 2004). Comparisons between observed fluid intakes and local or regional recommendations indicate that a substantial proportion of the elderly population may be at risk for insufficient fluid intake and thereby of dehydration, especially among seniors over age 85 (Volkert et al. 2005; Haveman-Nies et al. 1997; Zizza et al. 2009; INVS and CNAM 2006).

For example, a German study conducted in independently living elderly found that one-third of this population did not meet the German reference value for total fluid intake. This poor total fluid intake was reflected by a low level of fluid intake from beverages (Volkert et al. 2005). Similarly, an American study indicated that about two-thirds (63%) of the young elderly (65-74 y) and the vast majority (81%) of the oldest elderly (85+ y) have inadequate total fluid intake based on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IoM 2004) (Figure 4).

Figure 4 - Proportion of the US elderly not meeting recommendations for fluid intake from beverages and food (Kant et al. 2009)

Although data on dehydration frequency in community-dwelling elderly are conflicting, comparison of their actual fluid intakes with current recommendations clearly indicates that the aging population, whether in healthcare institutions or in the community, is at risk of inadequate fluid intake, and therefore is exposed to dehydration.

Consequences

III. Health Consequences and Economic Burden

III.1. Health consequences of dehydration

Maintaining an adequate level of hydration is important for proper function of the whole human body (Benelam and Wyness 2010). Its impairment can have deleterious health consequences (EFSA 2010), especially in the older person, for whom dehydration is frequent and can be fatal if undiagnosed (Gille 2010).

Several studies support that dehydration is associated with increased mortality rates among hospitalised older adults (Mentes 2006b). In a study of American seniors hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of dehydration, the mortality rate in the following year was nearly 50%. This study also found that even when dehydration was not the primary diagnosis, concomitant dehydration increased patients’ relative 12-month mortality risk by 16 to 78%, compared to patients with the same diagnosis but without dehydration (Warren et al. 1994).

In older adults with many comorbidities, dehydration can precipitate emergency hospitalisation and increase the risk of repeated hospitalisations (Begum and Johnson 2010; Mentes 2006b; Anti et al. 1998; Robinson and Rosher 2002; Suhr et al. 2004; Ship and Fischer 1997; Shannon et al. 2002; Burge et al. 2001).

Moreover, there is increasing evidence that dehydration, even its mild form, plays a role in the development of various morbidities (Manz 2007). Current evidence suggests that dehydration can cause constipation, impaired cognitive function, falling, orthostatic hypotension, salivary dysfunction, poor control of hyperglycaemia in diabetes or hyperthermia (Manz 2007; Anti et al. 1998; Robinson and Rosher 2002; Suhr et al. 2004). The potential consequences of dehydration on the development of different morbidities, and the associated level of evidence in the elderly population are summarised in Table 1. 

Of interest, it has been shown that provision of water to individuals with a water deficit, i.e rehydration, has shown a beneficial effect on some of these conditions (Anti et al. 1998; Robinson and Rosher 2002). One study found that improving hydration status by promoting the additional consumption of 2 glasses per day in nursing home residents increased hydration level, improved constipation and reduced the number of falls (Robinson and Rosher 2002). 

III.2. The economic burden of dehydration

Although data on the economic burden of elderly dehydration are scarce, analyses of hospital expenditures in the United States show that cost associated to dehydration is substantial. Some key figures are summarised in the table below (Table 2).

The financial burden is also considerable in nursing homes as suggested by an American study which found that dehydration was 1 of the 5 most expensive health conditions, with a treatment cost reaching approximately $1,000 per episode (Alessi et al. 2003).

In addition to its individual clinical impact, dehydration also represents an important public health issue by imposing a significant economic burden. 

Recommendations

IV. Maintaining a correct hydration status: the importance of dehydration prevention in the elderly

IV.1. Hydration status: a complex assessment

While various indices exist to assess hydration status, there is no universally accepted method to evaluate dehydration in the elderly (Vivanti et al. 2008; Kavouras 2002). Dehydration diagnosis in the elderly is complicated since classical signs and symptoms of dehydration, especially those resulting from mild dehydration are often more difficult to recognise in the elderly than in adults or children (including dryness of the mouth, muscle weaknesses or poor skin turgor/elasticity); moreover, some symptoms may even be absent (increased thirst for instance) (Schols et al. 2009; Sheehy et al. 1999).

As there is no single diagnostic parameter, it is generally recommended to recognise a pattern consisting of several indicators indicative of dehydration (Schols et al. 2009). Guidelines on dehydration advise to evaluate the medical history of the patients, assess physical parameters, perform laboratory tests and address fluid intake behaviour (American Medical Director Association 2009; Mentes 2008). Laboratory tests are generally used to confirm the presence of dehydration and guide healthcare providers in choosing the best course of treatment (Schols et al. 2009). Examples of signs or symptoms that can be used to diagnose dehydration are summarised in Table 3. 

Table 3. Diagnostic clues for dehydration in the elderly (Schols et al. 2009) Table symptom dehydration

IV.2. Dehydration treatment strategies

Four main therapeutic strategies for rehydration can be identified, based on the route of fluid administration: oral, enteral, subcutaneous or intravenous administration (Schols et al. 2009).
The choice of the rehydration methods depends on the severity and type of dehydration (isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic), the patient’s clinical condition, including complications that influence urgency of rehydration efforts, and the availability of facilities such as intravenous or subcutaneous procedures (Faes 2007). In terms of fluid to administer, the choice depends on the type of dehydration (saline solution for hypotonic dehydration and solution with low osmolality for hypertonic dehydration) (Hébuterne et al. 2009).

Whenever possible, oral fluid repletion is preferred (Hébuterne et al. 2007; Pershad 2010). This type of therapy is appropriate in the absence of severe symptoms and when the situation allows for it, i.e. if fluids can be restored gradually over time (Faes 2007; Schols et al. 2009). When oral fluid intake is insufficient or when the patient is not consuming sufficient nutrients, fluid administration via a nasogastric feeding tube is advisable. It allows an early and rapid rehydration, without risk of overload (Hébuterne et al. 2007). Intravenous therapy is effective when the dehydration is severe and when the clinical state of the patient demands an acute intervention (Faes 2007; Schols et al. 2009). In addition to its potential risk and its expensive cost, a major drawback to this option is that it requires qualified staff, and generally, hospitalisation (Schols et al. 2009; Pershad 2010). Despite these disadvantages and recommendations for oral therapies, intravenous strategies are favoured by caregivers in practice (Pershad 2010). An interesting alternative with a low risk of complication is the subcutaneous infusion of fluids, also called hypodermoclysis (Faes 2007; Schols et al. 2009). Because hypodermoclysis is easy to administer, it can be effectively used in elderly people living in nursing homes or in the community (Schols et al. 2009), so that hospital admission may be avoided (Faes 2007). However, this strategy is often underused (Schols et al. 2009). 

Because they can require qualified staff and specific facilities, treatment strategies for dehydration are generally serious and not easy to administer. Dehydration prevention, which is based on simple and effective measures aimed at ensuring an adequate level of fluid intake, is thus of paramount importance.

IV.3. Dehydration prevention strategies

IV.3.1. What strategies should be implemented?

Prevention of dehydration in the elderly is primarily based on ensuring adequate fluid intake. Raising awareness among the elderly, their families and caregivers of the importance of dehydration and its risk factors is fundamental for dehydration prevention (Faes 2007; Mentes 2006b). In an American study, 89% of healthcare providers considered that educating and making the elderly aware is a key strategy (Abdallah et al. 2009). The elderly should be encouraged to consume fluids (Faes 2007; Abdallah et al. 2009). Numerous strategies have been proposed for this purpose, especially in geriatric institutions where nurses and caregivers play a major role in this task (Faes 2007; Bennett 2000; American Medical Directors Association 2009; Wick 1999). Examples are detailed in the following box.

SOME STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING FLUIDS CONSUMPTION

(Faes 2007; Bennett 2000)

  • Offer fluids regularly during the day
  • Provide liquids readily available all day (at bedside or chairside in geriatric institutions) by placing containers such as small bottles of water or sippy cups
  • Encourage consumption of fluids with medication Provide preferred beverages
  • Prescribe and ensure a minimum intake of 1.5 litres, in periods of increasing risk for dehydration 

To the possible extent, individual and environmental risk factors should be taken into account in preventive strategies for adequate hydration (Schols et al. 2009; Hébuterne et al. 2009; Weinberg and Minaker 1995). For instance, urinary incontinence should be managed properly so that patients will be less likely to avoid fluid (American Medical Directors Association 2009).

Monitoring fluid status of the elderly by healthcare providers (for the community-dwelling elderly: visiting nurse associations, home nutrition companies, and home health aides for example) is also of importance (Weinberg and Minaker 1995).

Attention should be paid to the quality of fluids as well as on modalities of consumption (Schols et al. 2009; Hébuterne et al. 2009). Water is obviously the first recommended fluid and should constitute the bulk of daily intake (Bennett 2000). Milk, fruit juices and non-salty soups are nutritious and can be useful in providing variety, to help ensure sufficient fluid intakes. Coffee and tea can have a diuretic effect and should therefore be consumed in reasonable amounts. Alcoholic beverages are not recommended (Bennett 2000; Schols et al. 2009; Hébuterne et al. 2009).

IV.3.3. Are prevention strategies effective in the elderly?

Several intervention programmes aimed at encouraging fluid consumption have been conducted and have been shown to be effective and cost-saving in geriatric institutions (Spangler et al. 1984; Simmons et al. 2001; Robinson and Rosher 2002; Mentes and Kulp 2003).

Actions as simple as verbal prompting to drink have been shown to be sufficient to increase fluid intake in 78% of incontinent nursing home residents, leading to a significant reduction in the proportion of residents having laboratory values indicative of dehydration (Simmons et al. 2001).

Another study, testing an approach based on providing assistance for hydration and materials to make hydration more attractive, showed improvement in hydration status while permitting to save on average $103 per resident per week on subsequent medical costs (Robinson and Rosher 2002). 

Regular monitoring of hydration status and simple measures aimed at ensuring adequate fluid intakes are key to avoid dehydration and its deleterious consequences in the elderly population.

Conclusion
  • With aging, body water stores decrease, thirst sensation is disturbed and kidneys are less able to concentrate urine, putting the elderly at increased risk of dehydration.
  • It is widely recognised that an appropriate fluid intake is of paramount importance...
  • ...however the estimation of water requirements is highly variable and quite complex.
  • A large proportion of the elderly, especially those who are very old, may be at risk for insufficient fluid intake.
  • Dehydration is a common condition with serious detrimental effects accounting for substantial healthcare expenditures.
  • Dehydration and its consequences can be largely avoided and reversed, if detected early.
  • Diagnosed dehydration generally requires a serious treatment, while its prevention can be ensured by simple and effective measures, such as encouraging adequate fluid intake.
  • Several strategies are available for treating dehydration. However, whenever possible oral fluid repletion should be preferred.
  • Increasing awareness among the elderly of the importance of a good hydration, as well as encouraging fluid consumption, are essential for preventing dehydration.
  • Beverages are not equally effective in maintaining water balance.
  • Water is the first choice for hydration and should represent the bulk of daily intake.
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Quiz
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Question 1
How much total body water will a typical adult lose per day between the ages of 20 and 80 years?
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That's correct. That’s right. Between the age of 20 and 80 years, an adult can lose between 4 and 6 litres of total body water (Gille, 2010). That's not the right answer. That’s not the right answer. Between the age of 20 and 80 years, an adult can lose between four and six litres of total body water (Gille, 2010).
Question 2
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), how much water should an elderly man consume in total per day?
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That's correct. Correct. In 2010, the EFSA set a reference value for total fluid intake (water provided from beverages and foods) of 2.5 litres for elderly men and 2 litres for elderly women. These figures are the same as for younger adults. That's not the right answer. You didn’t choose the correct answer. In 2010, the EFSA set a reference value for total fluid intake (water provided from beverages and foods) of 2.5 litres for elderly men and 2 litres for elderly women. These figures are the same as for younger adults.
Question 3
Which of the following symptom(s) can be a sign of dehydration in the elderly?
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That's correct. That’s right. Dehydration diagnosis can be difficult in the elderly, as classical signs of dehydration are more difficult to recognise in elderly than in adults (muscle weakness or poor skin elasticity, for example). It is recommended to recognise a pattern of symptoms, based on medical history of the patients, physical examination and laboratory tests. That's not the right answer. That’s not the right answer. Dehydration diagnosis can be difficult in the elderly, as classical signs of dehydration are more difficult to recognise in elderly than in adults (muscle weakness or poor skin elasticity, for example). It is recommended to recognise a pattern of symptoms, based on medical history of the patients, physical examination and laboratory tests.
Question 4
Which of these methods of fluid repletion is the preferred therapy for dehydration in elderly people in the absence of severe symptoms, and if fluids can be restored gradually?
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That's correct. hat’s right. In the absence of severe symptoms, and when the situation allows for it, oral fluid repletion is the preferred therapy for dehydration in elderly people. That's not the right answer. That’s not the right answer. In the absence of severe symptoms, and when the situation allows for it, oral fluid repletion is the preferred therapy for dehydration in elderly people.
Question 5
Preliminary research has indicated that simple measures can effectively increase fluid intake in nursing homes. According to the study conducted by Simmons et al. (2001), what affect did verbal prompting to drink have on incontinent nursing home residents?
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That's correct. Correct. In a study of incontinent nursing home residents, verbal prompting to drink was found to increase fluid intake in 78% of the residents. This led to a significant reduction in the proportion of residents having laboratory values indicative of dehydration. That's not the right answer. You didn’t choose the correct answer. In a study of incontinent nursing home residents, verbal prompting to drink was found to increase fluid intake in 78% of the residents. This led to a significant reduction in the proportion of residents having laboratory values indicative of dehydration.
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