The importance of elderly hydration during the summer

The elderly are at a much higher risk of suffering from dehydration compared to the younger population. According to WHO, dehydration is described as the loss of fluids from an individual. It results from a reduction of the amount of water in the body. It is estimated that 25% of adults older than 65 in the UK currently experience low-intake dehydration. Many contributing factors come into play, including mobility issues, psychological changes and a decreased thirst response, which can contribute to dehydration.

Dehydration is a serious medical issue. It’s crucial that you implement ways to prevent yourself from experiencing dehydration. However, some people may not be in the position to recognise they are dehydrated or may find it difficult to prevent themselves from doing so. It’s important they’re being assisted with nutrition and hydration. 

In this article we’ll explore why hydration is important and ways that you can help.  

Why hydration is important in the elderly

Why does staying hydrated become more challenging as we age? There are several reasons:

How ageing affects hydration needs

As you age, bodily changes make it even more difficult to stay hydrated. Interestingly, your body doesn’t demand as much water compared to the average younger person. Because it's harder for your body to retain water, you're less likely to feel thirsty, which increases the chances of a delay in replenishing themselves with fluids. 

The health benefits of staying hydrated 

According to the National Institutes of Health, people who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids. Maintaining an optimal hydration level benefits your whole body. It lubricates the joints and eyes and supports better digestion. It’s essential for your body’s natural detoxification process – essentially, it helps your kidney and liver to filter out waste, which later down the line, prevents you from harmful substances. 

Summer dehydration risks for the elderly

The elderly are at higher risk than any other group of becoming dehydrated. And, when the summer season kicks in, the risk increases significantly. Keeping cool is essential, and you have to make sure there are strategies in place to keep cool, such as avoiding being out in the sun during the hottest parts of the day, wearing lightweight materials and staying in the shade. 

Recognising signs and symptoms of dehydration

It’s important you are aware of the physical and behavioural changes that occur with dehydration. Blood vessels constrict due to a reduction in fluid levels, thus affecting your whole body:

Common physical signs and effects of dehydration in the elderly

• Dry Mouth
• Sunken Eyes
• Dark Urine
• Dizziness
• Low Blood Pressure
• Fatigue
• Cramps

Behavioural changes that may indicate dehydration

Dehydration can affect mood and mental clarity with symptoms including:

• Infrequent urination
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Irritable 

Health complications arising from severe dehydration 

Severe health complications can occur on the back of dehydration, especially if left untreated. Kidney issues such as kidney stones and kidney failure can occur. UTI’s, shock, coma and sometimes even death can happen. If you notice a loved one experiencing any signs or symptoms, it's important you act as soon as possible.

Tips for staying hydrated  

• Consume 6–8 drinks per day – According to Age UK, they recommend six to eight drinks per day, with each of these being around 200ml each. That equates to a normal cup or glass size. To help keep track of daily intake, you could keep a chart on the fridge and update the chart drink by drink. Making sure there’s a bottle of water in easy reach helps too.
• Eat ice lollies – a great way to stay hydrated, especially for those who are resistant to drinking more. Ice lollies count towards your daily intake. Opt for ice lollies with water or fruit juice for a healthy way to hydrate yourself.
• Create a routine – think about consuming drinks around things you do daily. This makes drinking a lot easier. Perhaps you want to make a point of drinking before or after your meals, medication times or when you meet up with a loved one or friend.
• Hydration sweets for the elderly – an effective solution as they offer an easy and appealing way to increase fluid consumption. These are especially a great choice for those who are living with cognitive impairments such as dementia, people with limited mobility and resistant to drinking liquids. Hydration sweets typically contain electrolytes to support hydration and fluid retention.

Why might an older adult avoid drinking liquids?

Sometimes, elderly people may be resistant to upping their water intake for fear of incontinence. This can be a sensitive topic, so do make sure you approach this topic with kindness and compassion, while maintaining the individual’s dignity.

Many people with limited mobility or ongoing medical needs may be anxious about not reaching the toilet on time, therefore limiting the amount they drink. Often, the reasons for this are not expressed, so carers and loved ones should be aware of the signs of dehydration in adults and take action when needed.

Putting measures in place to counteract the fears and reassuring older people that they won’t get caught short can help. 

Top tips for keeping the elderly hydrated

Here are some ways to promote elderly hydration:

• Approach the topic of fluid intake sympathetically and avoid badgering.
• Encourage bigger drinks when taking medication.
• Lead by example and have a drink together.
• Experiment with drinks at different temperatures to see which ones appeal the most.
• Incorporate savoury and sweet options into high-fluid choices.
• Make water as appealing as possible by adding slices of cucumber or orange.
• Put drink options within easy reach.
• Serve drinks in brightly coloured containers for those with poor eyesight, so they’re less likely to knock them over.
• Encourage electrolyte drinks and hydration drops.
• Use easy-to-handle cups for anyone with arthritis or muscle weakness.
• Utilise straws for those with difficulties swallowing.
• Dress a healthy smoothie up as a cocktail for those reluctant to try something new.
• Offer plates of raw fruits and vegetables as a snack, as cucumber is 96 per cent water and apple is 84 per cent.

How Barchester services offer support

At Barchester we help people meaningful lives every single day. Our well-trained teams will always be on hand to assist residents with their nutrition and hydration needs. Here at our homes, we provide care plans tailored to each person in our care. These are developed to take into account a resident's specific needs and preferences. Fluid intake is monitored daily to reduce the risk of dehydration, and we provide hydration stations day and night in easy reach. 

Other resources    

Here is a list of resources to help:

Nutritious snack ideas for people living with dementia

Increasing hydration for those with dementia