Dehydration can create serious health effects for anyone of any age, but older adults are particularly susceptible. According to studies, 17-28% of older adults in the United States are chronically dehydrated, and dehydration is a frequent cause of hospital admission.
Especially in higher temperatures during the late summer months, dehydration can be a serious issue. If you suspect your loved one may be dehydrated, be sure to look for these signs and take steps to encourage better hydration.
Quick Reference: Is My Loved One Dehydrated?
Your loved one may be dehydrated if you notice, or they complain of, one or more of these symptoms:
- Brain fog, disorientation, or mood changes
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid heart rate
- Extremely dry lips, mouth, skin, and eyes
- Dark colored urine, infrequent urination, or constipation
- Fatigue and muscle weakness or cramps
- Heat intolerance and lack of sweating
- Headaches
Keep reading to learn more about these and other signs you or your loved one may be dehydrated.
Common Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors
Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration is key for older adults who want to remain healthy and active not only during the hot summer months but also year-round. Older adults may struggle to stay hydrated, especially as a result of health conditions such as diabetes, swallowing difficulties, and Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Keep an eye out for the following signs of dehydration in yourself or your loved one:
1. Thirst and Dry Mouth
Thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration. However, in more advanced stages of dehydration, it may not be present at all, and some adults find their overall sense of thirst naturally declining as they age. If you don’t feel thirsty but are exhibiting other symptoms on this list, go ahead and drink a beverage or eat a hydrating snack such as watermelon.
2. Changes in Urine
Healthy urine is pale yellow. If you or your loved one is urinating less or producing dark-colored urine (i.e., the color of apple juice), this can indicate dehydration. Keep in mind that other factors can influence the color of urine, including medications and vitamins a person consumes.
3. Muscle Weakness and Cramps
As your body loses water, it experiences difficulty delivering essential nutrients to your cells. This can lead to overall fatigue, muscle weakness, and cramps. If you or your loved one is feeling especially run down, upping water intake is a smart place to start.
4. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Changes
When you’re dehydrated, blood can’t circulate around your body efficiently. That can lead to a drop in blood pressure and, in some people, heart palpitations. Low blood pressure (also called hypotension) isn’t always immediately apparent, but it may cause a person to feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when moving from sitting to standing.
5. Confusion and Dizziness
Dehydration and the subsequent drop in blood pressure can cause other signs of dehydration in older adults, such as confusion, dizziness, and vertigo. Even mild brain fog should be a signal to drink more fluids. In severe cases, dehydration can mimic early symptoms of dementia or a stroke, causing sudden and alarming shifts in mental clarity.
6. Dry Skin
Healthy, hydrated skin maintains a certain amount of elasticity, also known as turgor. People naturally lose some skin elasticity as they age, but they should be able to pass the pinch test. Pinch some skin on the arm or hand; if the skin remains elevated after being gently pulled out of shape, that’s a sign of dehydration, and it’s time to increase fluid intake.
7. Eye Pain
Dehydration affects your body’s mucous membranes. This can lead to dry eyes, including blurred vision and stinging or burning sensations from elevated salt levels in your tears. Eyes can also appear sunken or red, and contact lenses may become uncomfortable to wear.
8. Headaches
As dehydration affects blood flow, you may develop a headache. A dehydration headache can feel different for each person, but it tends to worsen when you lean forward or move too much. Often, the pain can be resolved within a few hours with increased liquid intake and painkillers.
9. Constipation
Chronic constipation can be a result of dehydration. The intestines can’t add enough fluid to stools as they pass through the body, leading to bowel movements that are difficult to pass. If your loved one is having trouble passing stool, drinking more water can be a helpful place to start. If they continue to be constipated, consider increasing fiber intake, as well.
10. Decreased Sweating
If you’re short on fluids, you can’t produce the sweat that’s necessary to cool your body and help you maintain a safe body temperature. Dry skin is a warning sign, especially in a warm environment where you would expect to see people sweating.
11. Irritability and Mood Changes
Not only can dehydration cause mood swings on a hot day, but long-term dehydration can also negatively impact your overall mental and emotional state. Especially if you notice mood changes alongside other symptoms of dehydration, this can be an indicator that you or your loved one needs to drink more fluids.
12. Heat Intolerance
Heat intolerance isn’t just about disliking warm temperatures; it’s a condition that causes an inability to regulate your internal temperature, making you more susceptible to overheating and heat stroke. A variety of causes exist, from dehydration to underlying conditions such as alcoholism, autoimmune disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, fibromyalgia, and more.
Common Causes of Dehydration in Seniors
A variety of factors can contribute to dehydration for older adults. Consider these common causes.
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Diminished Thirst |
Sense of thirst often declines with age, making it easy to drink too little unintentionally. |
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Decreased Kidney Function |
Kidneys become less efficient at conserving water with age, causing faster fluid loss. |
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Diabetes |
High blood sugar from diabetes can prompt kidneys to pull water from your body to flush out the sugar through your urine. |
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Medication Effects |
Medications such as diuretics ("water pills"), laxatives, and certain blood pressure meds can cause your body to expel more fluids. |
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Swallowing Difficulties |
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is more common with age and can make drinking fluids challenging. |
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Decreased Mobility |
Mobility challenges can make it more difficult to get water and to use the bathroom, leading to intentional fluid avoidance. |
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Incontinence Concerns |
Some older adults deliberately drink less water to lessen the chances of experiencing an accident. |
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Cognitive Decline |
Especially for older adults with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, cognitive decline can cause them to forget to drink fluids as often as needed. |
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Acute Illness & Fever |
Fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can rapidly deplete body fluids. |
Ways to Treat Dehydration
Treatment for dehydration will depend on your symptoms and overall health, in addition to your age. No matter the level of dehydration, when in doubt, consult a medical professional to ensure you or your loved one is receiving the proper treatment for short- and long-term recovery.
For mild dehydration, relocating to a cool, shaded place and drinking fluid in small sips are the first steps. You need to replace electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium to help your body absorb liquids more effectively. Good sources include sports beverages such as Gatorade and snacks such as bananas, fruit juice, dill pickles, or milk — but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Moderate to severe dehydration in seniors is a medical emergency and may require IV fluids, especially if they can’t drink or keep down water on their own. If someone you know is unable to urinate, experiencing heart palpitations and rapid breathing, acting confused, experiencing heat-related nausea, or fainting, seek medical help immediately. In the meantime, move them to a cooler place and try to lower their temperature with a cool bath or cold, wet towels.
Simple Tips to Increase Daily Water Intake and Prevent Dehydration
You don’t need to chug nine cups of water all at once to meet your daily fluid goal — in fact, drinking water too quickly can decrease your body’s absorption. Ideally, you should consume fluids slowly but surely throughout the day in a variety of forms.
Add some of the following strategies into your daily routine to increase your water intake and improve your overall hydration:
- Find ways to make water more appealing; add lemon, cucumber, and other flavor enhancers.
- Choose hydrating foods such as soups, yogurt, gelatin, and fruits.
- Swallow pills with a full glass of water.
- Consult your doctor about medications that may cause a dehydrating effect.
- Enjoy afternoon lemonade or herbal tea with a friend.
- Limit alcohol, which doesn’t count toward your daily hydration goal.
FAQ
What causes dehydration in seniors?
Dehydration can arise from both acute health problems, like fever or diarrhea, and from chronic issues, like perpetually forgetting to drink enough. See the chart above for common causes of dehydration related to age.
Why do older adults become dehydrated more easily?
Age-related bodily changes can make dehydration more common. People tend to feel thirsty less often as they age, so this factor alone can make drinking enough fluids more challenging. Kidney function can also decline with age, causing the body to retain fluids less effectively.
Can dehydration cause confusion in older adults?
Yes, dehydration can impair cognitive function, leading to confusion. Even mild dehydration can cause difficulty concentrating and mood changes, while severe dehydration can cause more extreme delirium.
When should I worry about dehydration in an older adult?
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice sudden confusion, fainting, dark or absent urine for more than eight hours, or an inability to retain fluids. Older adults can deteriorate rapidly when dehydrated, so it’s best to act quickly. Even if you’re not sure or only notice subtle signs of dehydration, it’s best to increase fluid intake immediately and watch for changes. If mild signs don't improve after a few hours of drinking hydrating fluids, call their doctor.
How can caregivers help prevent dehydration?
Talk to your loved one about the importance of proper hydration, and discuss strategies for drinking enough fluids. You can also use smart home assistants or a mobile app to set audible reminders to drink throughout the day. If your loved one experiences trouble keeping track of their water intake, consider giving them a clear water bottle with measurements marked on it. Just be sure to choose a bottle that is lightweight and easy to open and close.
How much water should an older adult drink each day?
Adequate hydration provides benefits such as enhancing brain function, maintaining heart, muscle, and organ health, and boosting the immune system. The average person loses between 8-12 cups of water per day through basic bodily functions such as breathing and sweating. If hot weather, high-fiber foods, exercise, caffeine, or alcohol are part of your day, increasing water intake is essential. Short- or long-term illness can also contribute to dehydration.
In general, women should drink nine cups of water daily, and men should drink 12. But staying hydrated is not just about drinking enough water; it also involves understanding the body's needs and adjusting fluid intake accordingly. Your specific needs will depend on a variety of individual factors, including height, weight, body composition, and overall health.
Consult your doctor for specific insight into how many cups of water you need per day — for instance, certain health conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease may require you to carefully moderate your fluid intake.
Learn More About Healthy Aging
Regular monitoring, balanced nutrition, and prompt medical attention when signs of dehydration appear can significantly enhance your or your loved one’s quality of life during the summer and all year round. Prioritizing hydration can also encourage better health and resilience in the face of age-related challenges.
Looking for guidance about hydration, physical well-being, overall health, and more? Discover WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience for at-home resources, including nutrition coaching to help you understand your hydration needs and find creative, enjoyable ways to drink the ideal amount of fluid daily.
You can also learn more about healthy aging in our freely available online guide, Living Your Best Life After 55!
