Being properly hydrated may not seem like it has a positive impact on health and wellness, but it can boost the body\u2019s ability to function well. Especially in elderly adult, proper hydration is the key to keeping them healthy and able to fight off many common age-related conditions. Dehydration, on the other hand, can be particularly detrimental to seniors. Family caregivers must work hard to ensure their aging loved one doesn\u2019t become dehydrated.<\/p>\n
What Causes Dehydration in Seniors?<\/strong><\/p>\n If the body loses too many fluids without anything restoring them, it falls into a state of dehydration. Because fluids are critical to things like blood flow, the lack of them can lead to partial or total system shutdowns. Dehydration can happen to people at any age, especially if they are hot or exercising too much. Seniors, on the other hand, develop dehydration at a rapid rate. Symptoms of dehydration in seniors includes dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark urine, poor skin elasticity, dizziness and in extreme cases, seizures and unconsciousness.<\/p>\n The reason seniors are so susceptible to dehydration is because they frequently don\u2019t feel thirst. Due to their changing body, its common for elderly adults to go for hours without a drink. Also, their kidneys and body tissues don\u2019t hold onto fluids as well as they once did, contribution to an excessive loss of body fluids. Sometimes, the side effects of medication can also trigger dehydration without even knowing it. Without fluids being replenished, seniors can suffer severe health issues.<\/p>\n