Blog > What Keeps Older Adults from Drinking Enough?

What Keeps Older Adults from Drinking Enough?

Dehydration is a serious and common problem for older adults. Seniors are more likely to become dehydrated than younger adults are because of changes that occur with age. Older adults naturally have a lower fluid content in their bodies, so they become dehydrated more easily. Seniors also don’t feel thirst as keenly as younger people do. However, in many cases, dehydration is caused simply by the older adult not drinking enough. A new study suggests the problem may be perpetuated by certain misconceptions about water intake and dehydration.

About the Study

The study appeared in the journal Age and Ageing. It examined how some misconceptions about staying hydrated affects the chances of an older adult becoming dehydrated. The study involved 24 healthy people over the age of 75 who were living in their own homes in the U.K. Each participant was interviewed by one of the researchers on the team.

The interviews with the participants revealed misconceptions that caused the older adults to drink less than they should. Some of what the researchers found includes:

Confusion Over Amounts: Some participants were unclear on how much water they were supposed to drink each day. One quote from an interviewee indicated that the guidelines had changed over the years, causing the confusion.

What to Drink: Some participants thought that water was the only thing they could drink to prevent hydration. They were not aware that other drinks they enjoy more also counted toward preventing dehydration.

Thirst: Participants believed they didn’t need to drink unless they felt thirsty. However, thirst is not a good indicator of the need for fluids. Seniors should drink whether they feel thirsty or not.

Obstacles: In some cases, participants said they didn’t drink more because they had trouble getting to the bathroom quickly enough and feared losing bladder control. Some said they didn’t want to climb the stairs to get to their upstairs bathrooms.

Getting Seniors to Drink More

There are many ways to get older adults to drink more each day. One way is to hire senior care. Senior care providers can take steps to ensure the older adult drinks at least the recommended amount of fluids each day, such as keeping a glass or bottle of water near the older adult. Senior care providers can also prepare foods that contain liquid, such as soup or fruit. In addition, a senior care provider can make the older adult drinks that they enjoy, such as a cup of tea, lemonade, or a cup of coffee.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Homecare in Louisville, CO, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home today at 303-255-4071.