One of the more common diagnoses on admission to hospitals for older citizens is dehydration. This can be due to several different reasons. Certain medications can make for this, along with some untreated medical conditions. More commonly, however, people in general and older people in particular tend not to drink enough water. In order to give yourself the best chance for health, adequate hydration is essential.

Some medical conditions such as congestive heart failure and renal failure may require patients to limit their fluid intake. Be sure to be in close communication with your physician regarding how much water that you should be drinking.

Adequate hydration is particularly important when temperatures rise. Typically, older individuals have less “reserve” when it comes to maintaining a stable fluid balance. Dehydration limits the efficiency of most biochemical reactions in the body. Blood becomes thicker, and delicate sodium/potassium balances may be disrupted with dehydration.

Do not use the excuse; “I’ll be up all night going to the bathroom if I drink water”. There are alternatives. Discuss your hydration concerns with your physician.