Risks of Dehydration in Elderly
Elderly people are at increased risk of dehydration for various reasons. Feeling thirsty often decreases as people get older, which makes them less likely to notice that they need fluid. Moreover, common medicines such as diuretics can disrupt fluid balance and contribute to dehydration, especially during hot weather. It is therefore crucial that elderly people are extra alert to their hydration during the summer months.
How Dehydration Fits and Her Symptoms
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it gets in. This can happen by excessive sweating, which is a natural reaction to regulate body temperature in hot weather. However, if the moisture loss is not compensated, this can lead to a disturbance of the fluid balance in the body.
Symptoms of dehydration to be taken into account include:
- Less urination: Reduced urine production may indicate dehydration.
- Dark urine: An indication that the body is too concentrated due to fluid deficiency.
- Dry skin and decreased elasticity: The skin becomes less resilient and stays up longer when it is grabbed.
- Confusion: Dehydration can affect mental brightness, especially in the elderly.
- Low blood pressure and dizziness: Risk of fainting increases with a reduction in blood pressure due to dehydration.
Effects of dehydration
If dehydration is not treated in time, the consequences can be serious. It can lead to confusion, lethargy, and even extreme cases of unconsciousness or coma. Especially during a heat wave these risks may increase, as the body loses more fluid due to sweating and the need for hydration increases.
Preventive Measures
To avoid dehydration, there are several preventive steps you can take:
- Drinking sufficient water: Target at least 2 litres of water per day, spread throughout the day.
- Hydration aids: In addition to water, water ice creams, juicy fruit such as watermelon, sports drinks and production limonade are good options for filling moisture.
- Limit alcohol: Alcoholic drinks can promote dehydration, so drink with moderation, especially during hot days.
- Medicine and health conditions: Discuss with a general practitioner whether certain medications influence fluid management and whether adjustments are necessary during the summer.
- Special attention to risk groups People with diabetes, heart problems, kidney problems or other chronic conditions should be extra careful and may adjust their fluid intake.
Conclusion
By being alert to the signs of dehydration, drinking water regularly and using suitable hydration methods, you can protect yourself from the health risks of dehydration during summer. Be sure to maintain a healthy balance between fun and safety during the hot months so that you can enjoy summer full of energy and health.
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