Why Seniors Need to Stay Hydrated

The body is made mostly of water, and if any of that water is diminished it should be replaced immediately. It is a well know fact that everyone should drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. Dehydration can be the cause of many health issues, and can lead to hospitalization especially for older adults. Some medications will require that the body be properly hydrated in order for them to work. As a person ages, the body undergoes some physiological changes that can increase the risk of the older adult becoming dehydrated. Other changes in the body can cause the older adult to lose their sense of thirst which also leads to dehydration. In-home care Chandler has some tips for you;

Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for everyone especially older adults. Proper hydration keeps the body functioning as it should. The body is about 60% water, and on average, the body uses about 80$ of this water on a daily basis through the normal processes like sweating, urination, and sicknesses involving diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults are more at risk of becoming dehydrated than any other demographic group. Some seniors must be reminded to drink liquids. Caregivers must be able to recognize the signs of dehydration in older adults as this can be an extreme health condition.

How to Stay Hydrated in the Senior Years

Keeping your senior loved one hydrated is essential. The body gets much of the water from various foods, juices, and fruit that is eaten when people are younger. One of the natural processes of aging is a slowdown in food consumption. Older adults may have a loss of appetite that prevents them from eating as much especially foods that are sources of water for the body. Older adults may not drink as much including tasty fruit drinks. The balance of fluid in the body can also be affected by certain medications. Many older adults have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, and the medication for these disorders may make the senior susceptible to becoming dehydrated.


It is important to help your senior loved one stay hydrated to avoid some of the complications that may arise. The aging process can cause the body to lose the ability to naturally regulate changes of temperature in the environment. This can cause the protective layer of the skin that acts as insulation for hot and cold to lessen. Older adults may also have the incapability of sweating because of body changes due to aging. This can make it difficult for them to keep cool which could lead to them becoming overheated. This is especially a danger in the hot summer months because it puts the senior at a higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Final Words

Staying hydrated is imperative for older adults because of the many health issues that can occur or be boosted by the lack of proper water in the body. Home Care Chandler also emphasizes that it is vital for caregivers to know what to look for if they suspect that their senior loved one is not getting enough water into the body.