Dehydration in the Elderly
One of the more surprising facts about ageing is that the older you get, the less reliably you feel thirsty. By the time an older adult feels thirsty, they are often already mildly dehydrated. Relying on thirst as a signal to drink water becomes increasingly unreliable with age, making dehydration a genuine and common health risk.
What dehydration does to the body
Water is involved in almost every process in the body. In older adults, the consequences of even mild dehydration are more pronounced than in younger people. Common effects include dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. More serious consequences include an increased risk of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and in severe cases, permanent kidney damage. Dizziness from dehydration is also a direct fall risk factor.
Why Johannesburg summers make this worse
As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. In hot weather, blood vessels near the skin dilate to release heat, which can cause a drop in blood pressure and lightheadedness. Drinking more water increases blood volume and helps maintain normal blood pressure. On days when you are exercising or temperatures are high, aim to drink more than your usual baseline.
A word on toilet worries
Many older patients deliberately avoid drinking water because of concerns about continence. The health consequences of chronic dehydration are considerably more serious than more frequent toilet visits. Restricting fluid intake concentrates waste products and puts strain on the kidneys and bladder.
A practical approach
A better approach than targeting two to three litres immediately is to double your current intake as a first step. Work gradually towards eight to ten glasses a day. Water is the best option. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol are diuretics and increase fluid loss.
Read next
Exercise and Healthy Ageing: Why Staying Active Is the Best Investment You Can Make
Falls Prevention for Older Adults: Why Exercise Is the Starting Point
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