Dehydration in the Elderly: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
Dehydration can be promoted by certain external conditions such as high summer heat. Some people are also more at risk of dehydration such as an elderly person , a child or a baby. We will see together the causes of dehydration in seniors in order to take care of them.
What is dehydration?
Indeed, dehydration is a lack of water in the body. Most of the time, it occurs after a significant decrease in the body's water reserves without it being renewed, for example during episodes of diarrhea, vomiting or profuse sweating during exposure to excessive heat. Dehydration can also appear after burns , an illness such as kidney failure, the consumption of diuretic foods or medications, where water loss is also significant.
There are several degrees of dehydration, each characterized by a different collection of symptoms:
- Mild to moderate dehydration is manifested by thirst first, then other phenomena aimed at conserving water loss from the body such as decreased sweating, urine production and skin elasticity.
- Severe dehydration manifests itself through dizziness or fainting. Paradoxically, the sensation of thirst may be less strong in cases of severe dehydration than in cases of mild dehydration.
If water reserves continue to decrease, dehydration can become very severe, leading to shock and damage to internal organs. If left untreated, this can lead to coma and death.
Why is dehydration a major problem among seniors?
Older adults are particularly at risk for dehydration for several reasons.
Firstly, because the mechanism that triggers thirst is less effective in them, which means that this sensation is perceived later and with less intensity. Secondly, because they may suffer from mental or physical disorders such as dementia or mobility problems, preventing them from hydrating sufficiently.
In addition, older people naturally have less water reserves, which is partly due to the fact that fatty tissues make up a larger proportion of their body mass, which makes them more susceptible to dehydration. With age, the use of diuretic medications can also increase the risk of dehydration.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration
Elderly people, who are particularly vulnerable, are often exposed to increased risks of dehydration, especially during heatwaves . In nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, it is essential to quickly recognize the warning signs that may indicate a state of dehydration in an elderly person , such as low blood pressure, decreased urine production, dry tongue, lips, confusion or headaches (among others). As mentioned previously, thirst is not always detectably present in seniors in the event of dehydration.
The Dangers and Complications of Dehydration in Seniors
Dehydration can have serious consequences for seniors because water deprivation puts their internal organs to the test when they are already fragile. More specifically, age-related body disorders such as chronic diseases , aggravate the risks of dehydration. This can cause problems with the kidneys by an increased risk of kidney stones , with the heart, by a drop in blood pressure , tachycardia and with the brain by confusion , headaches and significant fatigue . Dehydration will also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Doctors then advise increased vigilance on fluid loss. In case of severe symptoms , it is necessary to consult medical services quickly to avoid serious complications. Also, prevention plays a key role in ensuring that seniors adopt regular hydration habits. Do not hesitate to give them suitable advice in order to maintain good hydration and avoid irreversible effects on their health. Nursing assistants in EHPADs are also trained and aware of the symptoms of water loss and will know how to quench the thirst of the elderly.
How to quickly rehydrate an elderly person?
In cases of mild or moderate dehydration , the best way to rehydrate an elderly person is to have them drink water, making sure that it contains the minerals essential for the body to function properly. Then, it will be necessary to ensure that they receive sufficient hydration to compensate for their losses, both through drinking and eating.
In case of severe dehydration, contact emergency services immediately. If necessary, healthcare professionals can compensate for the water deficit and lack of minerals by perfusion.
How to prevent dehydration in the elderly? What to do in case of severe dehydration?
In order to best prevent dehydration, which can have serious consequences, it is wise to adopt healthy habits that guarantee sufficient hydration throughout the day. A human being, under normal conditions, must absorb approximately 2L of water per day to stay well hydrated. It is therefore important to consume a quantity of water close to this figure, spacing out the intakes: you must drink during and outside of meals, without waiting until you feel thirsty. Do not hesitate to drink without thirst during meals.
An effective way to stay hydrated can be to consume oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Hydratis lozenges . These are specifically designed to optimize the body's absorption of water and are enriched with electrolytes and minerals to ensure adequate intake of these essential elements.
Top 6 Most Effective Rehydration Drinks
Hydration is not only achieved through water consumption. In fact, while 80% of the water absorbed by the body daily comes from the water we drink, the remaining 20% comes from the water contained in the food and other drinks we consume. Here is a list of the 6 most effective rehydrating drinks:
- Water : Obviously, in a situation of dehydration, water should take precedence over any other drink. However, you must ensure that it is drinkable and that it contains adequate amounts of minerals.
- Drinks rich in electrolytes : these are interesting options, particularly in the event of significant water loss, for example at the end of a sports session during which you have sweated profusely.
- Unsweetened infusions : they are made almost exclusively of water, while benefiting from a different aroma and therapeutic properties of the plant used.
- Broths : They help you stay hydrated while providing the body with essential nutrients and minerals.
- Diluted juices : They contain vitamins and minerals in much greater proportion than water while containing a lower amount of sugar compared to normal juices.
- Hydratis lozenges : they help optimize the absorption of liquids in the intestine thanks to a scientifically tested mixture of sodium and glucose. They also enrich water with electrolytes.
As you can see, staying well hydrated is essential to staying healthy. With age , good hydration becomes particularly important to avoid developing complications. It is essential to watch for certain signs of dehydration, such as dry skin , vomiting , diarrhea or a drop in body temperature. This is why we wanted to share with you in this article the biological bases of dehydration as well as good practices to avoid it in the elderly.
