Introduction

Being old is not an easy task. As much as you may want to be up and about doing all your favorite activities, you know better than anyone that the day is more taxing for elderly people, who need help with everything from getting out of a chair to using the toilet.

In fact, 18 percent of Americans over the age of 60 fall ill every year because they are dehydrated. One tragic flaw in their body threatens to kill them if anything isn’t done fast enough: lingering dehydration can make their bodies weaker than they should be, causing heart attacks and kidney failure.

Dehydration is a leading cause of hospitalizations in the elderly. The elderly may have difficulty taking in fluids, less frequent urination, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and more rapid breathing. It is important to be aware of the symptoms because untreated dehydration may lead to delirium or seizures.

What Are Symptoms Of Dehydration In The Elderly?

1. Vomiting

This is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. Elderly people who are not eating well may very well be dehydrated, especially if they have trouble swallowing.

Vomiting makes the elderly person much weaker because of how it affects the body. While vomiting is often a result of an illness like pneumonia, which often strikes many elderly people, it can also be caused by an ulcer or dehydration. Dehydration will make you dizzy, tired as well as make your skin dry and wrinkly. 

2. Delirium

This is a condition in which the elderly person is not able to understand what is going on around him/her.

3. Confusion

This can come as a result of going without food or something else that has been long neglected and you have become weak. Also, aging people who are not able to get enough water on a regular basis, are more likely to lose the ability to understand their surroundings and make logical decisions. You will find the elderly person confused and depressed. 

4. Weakness

The elderly person who has been suffering from dehydration for some time will also be very weak as he/she hasn’t had enough water to sustain the normal functioning of his/her body’s systems such as organs or muscles.

5. Nausea

Because the elderly person’s body has run out of water the brain has become dehydrated and so he/she may get sick from that too. Most people who are facing this problem don’t have much to eat but still manage to drink lots of water. 

6. Constant Thirst

The elderly person’s body is thirsty for water; it craves more fluids than ever before! This explains why many run to their fridge or refrigerator without even realizing that they don’t have enough water to fill their thirst.

7. Swollen Gums

Those who are suffering from dehydration may have swollen gums because the body is trying to entice you to get yourself water. Some people do not realize that swollen gums or mouth sores are symptoms of dehydration until it is too late and they have already gotten themselves into an emergency room situation. 

8. Dizziness

This is a very common symptom amongst elderly people, especially after not getting enough water for a long time.  It can be corrected by drinking lots of water throughout the day, making sure you stay hydrated at all times.

9. Muscle Cramps

It is advisable for the elderly to make sure they have enough water at all times.  This will make sure that their muscles are well lubricated and oiled, hence preventing muscle cramps and twitches. 

10. Low Blood Pressure

The lower your blood pressure becomes the more likely you are to get dehydrated because your body is unable to supply enough blood to the organs. That’s why people with low blood pressure often faint when they stand up suddenly or too quickly. 

11. Confusion

This can come as a result of going without food or something else that has been long neglected and you have become weak. Also, aging people who are not able to get enough water on a regular basis, are more likely to lose the ability to understand their surroundings and make logical decisions. You will find the elderly person confused and depressed. 

12. Drowsiness

Dehydration is a condition in which the volume of fluids in your body is significantly low. Because dehydration is often caused by not drinking enough water, it can make you drowsy as your brain may be getting less oxygen than it needs to function properly.  This can also cause delirium.

How To Treat Dehydration In The Elderly?

1. Drink Lots Of Water

Dehydration is caused by not getting enough fluids, so the first thing you should do if you’re dehydrated is drinking lots of water. Your body needs at least two liters to replenish lost fluids, or you can ask for help from your doctor when it comes to taking in the right amount of water. 

2. Eat More Food

Food helps increase your body’s ability to retain fluids. Eating fruits, vegetables, and drinking juices will also increase your interest in drinking water because they will make you healthier. And being healthier means that you are more likely to recover more quickly from dehydration than before–which is definitely not a bad thing!

3. Soak In A Bath

This will replenish your body’s fluids and relax your tense muscles. Simply fill a tub with warm water and add 2-3 cups of baking soda. 

4. Avoid Caffeine Beverages

Caffeine is one of the worst liquids to give up if you are dehydrated: it makes you urinate more frequently, and this will make you lose more water from your body than you normally would if you were not drinking caffeine. 

5. Exercise

Exercise will lessen muscle weakness and help relieve symptoms of dehydration by boosting circulation, which brings oxygen to the brain, muscles, and organs! To learn more about exercise just visit our blog page dedicated to this topic!

Conclusion

Dehydration is a very dangerous condition, and it is important to know the warning signs in order to catch it early before you lose too much water. It is also important to know what causes dehydration so that we can prevent it from happening. Also, having a large intake of water will help you live longer and healthier. Remember to drink lots of water every day!

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If you are not getting enough fluids and are suffering from symptoms of dehydration, it is best to get help and go to the hospital. The good news is that dehydration is usually a temporary condition, so it can be treated quickly and easily!