Hydration in the elderly
As we get older, body water content decreases, the risk for dehydration increases, and the consequences become more serious.
Dehydration has been associated with increased mortality rates among hospitalized older adults¹ and can precipitate emergency hospitalization and increase the risk of repeated stays in hospital² ³.
Dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization of older adults and one of the ten most frequent diagnoses responsible for hospitalization in the United-States.³
Evidence suggests high dehydration rates of elderly patients within hospitals and other health care institutions².
Dehydration has also been associated with various morbidities, such as impaired cognition or acute confusion, falling or constipation.
The cost associated with dehydration may be very high: a study conducted in 1999 in the United States evaluated the avoidable costs of hospitalizations due to dehydration at $1.14 billion⁴.
Why are the elderly more susceptible to dehydration?
The amount of body water decreases by approximately 15% (about 6 L) between the ages of 20 and 80⁵. With this decrease, the body becomes more susceptible to dehydration from the loss of a small amount of body water⁶.
Moreover, the elderly often experience diminished thirst sensation which leads to a reduced fluid consumption⁷ ⁸.
Also as a consequence of aging, the kidneys have a reduced ability to concentrate urine and retain water during water deprivation⁹. In addition, aging kidneys are less able to conserve or excrete sodium¹⁰.
Insufficient fluid intakes can also be the result of limitations such as reduced swallowing capacity, decreased mobility, or comprehension and communication disorders. Disease-related factors, such as incontinence can increase water losses. Dehydration may also be caused by warm temperature, inadequate staffing in institutions, or use of laxatives or diuretics¹.
What steps can be taken to prevent dehydration in the elderly?
Prevention is primarily based on ensuring adequate fluid intake. Raising awareness of the elderly, their families and caregivers on the risks of dehydration and its consequences is fundamental for dehydration prevention,¹ ¹¹and can lead to cost-savings in geriatric institutions¹² ¹³.
SOME STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING FLUIDS CONSUMPTION ⁹ ¹¹
- Offer fluids regularly during the day
- Make liquids readily available all day (at bedside or chairside in geriatric institutions) by placing containers such as small bottle of water or sippy cups
- Encourage consumption of fluids with medication
- Provide preferred beverages
- Prescribe and safeguard a minimum intake of 1.5 L in periods of increased risk for dehydration
Additional resources
- Pedagogic infographic on hydration in the elderly
- Dive in Hydration in the Aging in a dedicated monography
- Learn how to educate about healthy hydration and the role of dietitians in this dedicated online course.