Preventing Dehydration in Seniors

Preventing Dehydration in Seniors

As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to dehydration. According to the Mayo Clinic, seniors are more at risk for dehydration because of the following factors.

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  • ReducedKidney function. kidneys become less efficient at removing water and waste from your body as you age. This can lead to a condition called renal insufficiency, in which your kidneys can no longer keep up with the demands of everyday life. As a result, your body may not be able to get rid of excess water.
  • Medications. Many common medications — such as diuretics, laxatives and blood pressure pills — can cause dehydration by increasing the amount of water you lose through urination. Antihistamines also can cause dehydration by making it difficult for your body to retain water.
  • Illnesses. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid fluid loss, and fever can lead to increased water loss through sweating. Older adults also may have a reduced thirst response, which makes it difficult for them to know when they're thirsty and need to drink fluids. Additionally, some illnesses common in older adults — such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease — can contribute to dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration 

The symptoms of dehydration are often subtle in seniors and can easily be mistaken for other conditions or problems associated with aging. These include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion or irritability
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Dry skin
  • Decreased urine output
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Headache
  • Constipation

Serious signs of dehydration in seniors include low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately as they could be indicative of a more serious problem


Dehydration is a potentially serious condition that affects seniors at higher rates than other age groups. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to prevent dehydration in seniors. These include ensuring that seniors drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty; avoiding medications that can cause dehydration; and being aware of the symptoms of dehydration so that you can seek medical help if necessary. By taking these precautions, we can help ensure that our seniors stay healthy and hydrated.