Fluid Needs of Older Adults

Why are fluids important for older adults?

Not getting enough fluids to drink can be a serious problem for older adults. As you get older, your body's warning signals get weaker. After about age 50, you need to drink fluids even when you are not thirsty. This is particularly important if you have retired to an area of the country that is warmer than you are used to, such as California, Florida, or the Southwest.

Dehydration can cause serious problems in older adults. Even mild dehydration may cause constipation as well as other problems.

Water is second only to oxygen in its importance to life. Everyone needs to get enough liquid each day to keep the body functioning properly. The liquid and chemicals (salts and minerals) within the body are normally maintained in correct balance because the body adjusts the amount of liquid taken in and the amount of liquid lost by regulating thirst and elimination processes. When not enough fluids are taken by mouth, the body adapts by taking fluids from the tissues, muscles, and organs.

What are signs of the need for more fluids?

Fluids are normally lost through sweat, urine, and bowel movements. An increase in any of these causes extra fluid loss from the body. For example, exercise causes increased sweating, resulting in an increased loss of fluid. You also lose more fluid when you have diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. Extra fluid needs to be taken into the body to replace fluid lost through exercise or diarrhea.

Some of the other signs that show a need for more fluids are:

• dry skin
• fever
• thirst
• sunken eyes
• decreased urination
• confusion
• dizziness.

Thirst is not always a very good indicator of the body's need for more fluids, especially as you get older. A quick way to check that you are getting enough fluids is to look at the color of your urine. The urine should be pale yellow. If your urine is dark yellow and has a strong odor or if you go to the bathroom less often than 4 times a day, you probably need to drink more fluids.

What fluid should be taken as replacement?

Water is the best fluid to drink because it contains no calories or chemicals that might affect fluid balance in the body. Most older adults need at least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water each day to be healthy. Here are some tips to get more fluids in your diet:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Drink more fluids whenever you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Drink extra fluids after even mild exercise.
• Have more soups with your meals.
• Keep a glass of water to drink while you are watching TV or relaxing.
• Learn about medicines you are taking that might cause water loss.

Use caution and check with your healthcare provider about drinking sports fluids such as Gatorade when your diet is restricted or when you are taking prescription medicines.

Is it possible to get too much fluid?

For people with a healthy heart and kidneys, it is hard to drink too much fluid. If you have heart failure or kidney disease, you may need to restrict fluid. In people with heart failure or kidney disease, the kidneys are not as efficient in eliminating fluid that the body does not need. Too much fluid in the body can cause the fluid to stay in tissues, usually in the feet and legs. This is a medical problem called edema.

Ask your healthcare provider about how much fluid you should drink each day.