Question

What are some of the impacts of dehydration on older adults and explain why older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration.

Answer 1

Dehydration is a state of fluid deprivation when the output of fluid in the body surpasses the intake.This is a serious consequence because the loss of body fluid will lead to inadequate functioning of the normal cellular activity and results in confusion,agitation etc..

Now,

Causes Of Dehydration:

a)In case of the older adults , their metabolism and the state of the organs and systems does not work efficiently due to the aging process.In the context of dehydration this is a major contributing factor.

b) The decline in the renal functioning is an other important factor.The elimination and filtration rate by the kidneys is considerably reduced in the elderly .This inturn in the fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

c) Medications : Often the elderly due to increased disease states compared to the adults intake a number of medications which can affect the body fluid volume. Among this include diuretics used for the treatment of hypertension and edematous conditions,

d) Cognition and memory changes can lead to dehydration.Not sufficient fluid and food intake,absence of hunger and thirst feeling are common in the elderly.

Impacts Of Dehydration In Older Adults:

In case of elderly,the inadequate amount of fluid in the body can affect the following ways :

a) Memory, cognition,balance are affected and results in the increase in the weakness, dizziness,fatigue and other neurological related states.

b) When the required metabolism is affected due to lack of enough fluid in the body , this can again affect the organs and systems and requires multiple medical attention.

c) Dehydration related problems such as changes in the color and odor of the urine, constipation may also occur.