The elderly frequently become dehydrated without realising it because they do not realise that they are becoming dehydrated as a result of the physical changes that are associated with ageing, and as a result, they do not drink sufficient water on a regular basis. This leads to the common occurrence of elderly people becoming dehydrated without realising it.
According to the findings of a number of studies conducted on residents of long-term care facilities, approximately 31 percent of residents were dehydrated. Furthermore, according to the findings of another set of studies, 48 percent of elderly patients who were treated at emergency departments and then admitted to hospitals showed signs of dehydration in their laboratory results.
Elderly people are at a hidden risk for dehydration
Dehydration, which is common in older people, can be caused by not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, diarrhoea, loss of blood, certain medications prescribed by a doctor such as diuretics, or illnesses such as diabetes. Not drinking enough water is the most common cause of dehydration.
As we become older, our response to thirst becomes less sensitive, and we also become less aware of the symptoms that we are thirsty. This leads to an increased risk of becoming dehydrated. Up until about the age of 40, the ratio of body fluids to total body weight is approximately 60 percent in males and 52 percent in women. After the age of 60, however, this ratio drops to just 52 percent in men and 46 percent in women. As we get older, we experience a decrease in muscular mass, which is accompanied by an increase in the number of fat cells in our bodies.
The ability of the kidneys to filter waste products out of the blood gradually decreases as people get older. As a consequence of this, the kidneys become less effective at condensing urine into a smaller volume of water, which causes older people to lose more water than younger people do.
If dehydration is not properly detected and treated, it can result in symptoms such as a quick but weak pulse, a drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.
The following are some signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- A stomach that is bloated
- A faster rate of breathing than usual
- Convulsions
- Cramping in limbs
- Crying with very few or no tears coming out
- Eyes that are hollow and dry, with very little or no tears
- A dry mouth and tongue that is accompanied by thick saliva
- Headaches
- A lowering in the blood pressure
- Rapid but feeble pulse
- Extremely painful spasms and contractions of the muscles in the limbs, back, and stomach
- Irritation or drowsiness could result
- Inability to urinate or passage of only a few drops of urine; urine that is a dark or deep yellow colour
- Weakness, general sense of being unwell
- Wrinkled skin; lacks elasticity
It is essential for you to make certain that your senior loved ones consume adequate amounts of water on a consistent basis. Investing in a water cooler that provides convenient access to filtered, cooled drinking water around the clock is one approach to accomplish your goal. This will make it simpler for them to consume more water, which will help you achieve your goal.
You can rent water coolers in London, purchase water coolers online, or both for your home or place of business. Purchase water from natural springs, water cooler accessories, and water coolers for the office.
