{"id":1970,"date":"2020-04-01T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.boomershub.com\/?p=1970"},"modified":"2024-06-14T13:11:51","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T13:11:51","slug":"dehydration-in-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/dehydration-in-seniors","title":{"rendered":"Dehydration in Seniors: Signs, Risks and How to Avoid it"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1970\" class=\"elementor elementor-1970\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"penci-section penci-disSticky penci-structure-10 elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-63f14862 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"63f14862\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"penci-ercol-100 penci-ercol-order-1 penci-sticky-ct    elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c4addca\" data-id=\"4c4addca\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47900d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47900d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: normal;\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p>Thirst is something most of you probably give little thought to day to day. Basically, you drink when you are thirsty and forget about it! However, dehydration in seniors can have serious medical complications. It is estimated that up\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4671176\/#:~:text=Depending%20on%20the%20definition%20of,who%20are%20hospitalized%20are%20dehydrated.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to 30% of hospitalized seniors<\/a>\u00a0are dehydrated. So, it&#8217;s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Our guidelines will help you or your family members prevent dehydration. So read on!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3214190 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3214190\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/memory-care#why-should-you-choose-boomershub-for-memory-care\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find assisted living facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-148381d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"148381d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: normal;\"><strong style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: 0px;\">What Are the Signs and Consequences of Dehydration in Seniors?\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); letter-spacing: 0px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Severe dehydration can be devastating and it can be difficult for people to know the problem before it is too late! Let\u2019s take a look at some signs of dehydration. Knowing how to recognize these symptoms and their potential consequences will help you do something about them before it is too late.\u00a0Here are the signs and Consequences of dehydration in seniors:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Unexplained Fatigue:\u00a0<\/strong>Feeling tired and lethargic can be a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dripdrop.com\/blog\/health-wellness\/how-to-stop-feeling-tired#:~:text=Dehydration%20commonly%20causes%20fatigue%2C%20and,are%20vomiting%20or%20have%20diarrhea.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sign of dehydration<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:\u00a0<\/strong>Fatigue leads to a decline in normal activity which can increase weakness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Dizziness:\u00a0<\/strong>Dizziness is another sign what you might be dehydrated.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:<\/strong>\u00a0Can lead to falls which can cause broken bones or concussions\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Increased Confusion:\u00a0<\/strong>Dehydration leads to increased confusion and disorientation.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:<\/strong>\u00a0Confusion can lead to all sorts of problems, including falls, and problems with memory. People forget to take their medications, eat, or drink, exacerbating the problem.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Not urinating or dark pee:<\/strong>\u00a0Irregular urination or dark pee is a warning sign of dehydration.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:<\/strong>\u00a0This can lead to urinary tract infections which can be serious for older adults, potentially causing a condition called\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/delirium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>delirium<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and leading to hospitalization.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>Higher or lower than normal blood pressure:\u00a0<\/strong>Reduced or elevated blood pressure can be an indicator of dehydration as well.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:<\/strong>\u00a0For older adults, this can cause a strain on the heart. For some older adults, dehydration leads to low blood pressure which can contribute to falls.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong>Constipation:\u00a0<\/strong>Constipation can have many causes, but dehydration\u00a0is a major contributor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consequences:\u00a0<\/strong>It can lead to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/illnesses-and-conditions\/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract\/constipation#:~:text=For%20most%20people%20constipation%20rarely,the%20leakage%20of%20liquid%20stools)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health problems<\/a>\u00a0such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and diverticulitis. It can also be extremely uncomfortable and cause difficulties with mobility.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c1b20f elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3c1b20f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/independent-living#independent-living-options-in-your-area\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find independent living facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8e7d3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8e7d3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: normal;\"><strong style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: 0px;\">What Causes Dehydration in Seniors<\/strong><span style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); letter-spacing: 0px;\">?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several factors contribute to symptoms of dehydration in older adults. Many of these factors are unique to the aging process. And, as people get older the consequences are more serious than for younger, healthier adults.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>The thirst mechanism changes with age.<\/strong>\u00a0As you get older, your\u00a0<a title=\"ability to know when you are thirsty decreases\" href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/drink-up-dehydration-is-an-often-overlooked-health-risk-for-seniors\/#:~:text=The%20sensation%20of%20thirst%20decreases,more%20at%20risk%20for%20dehydration.\" rel=\"nofollow\">ability to know when you are thirsty decreases<\/a>, making it very difficult to know when you need water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aging causes a decrease in water percentage.<\/strong>\u00a0What this means is that for someone older, they are already starting at a point where more hydration is needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Memory problems complicate the situation.<\/strong>\u00a0For<a title=\"alzheimer's symptoms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/recognizing-alzheimers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0someone with Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0or some other\u00a0<a title=\"dementia resource guide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/dementia-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dementia<\/a>, remembering to drink can be a real challenge. This can have a cascading effect that can result in severe dehydration that can be life-threatening.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Going to the bathroom at night.<\/strong>\u00a0Many older adults curb their fluid intake because they don\u2019t want to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d6cee9 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6d6cee9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/memory-care#why-should-you-choose-boomersHub-for-memory-care\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find memory care facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8602c37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8602c37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: normal;\"><strong style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: 0px;\">What to Do About Dehydration in Seniors<\/strong><span style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); letter-spacing: 0px;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that you can recognize the dehydration symptoms, let\u2019s look at some strategies for preventing dehydration from happening in the first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t wait if you think a loved one is dehydrated<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you think someone you know is exhibiting signs of dehydration, contact a health provider. If the situation is serious, IV fluids may be necessary. These can often be provided at home through home health. As telehealth becomes more available, healthcare providers can assess the situation avoiding the need to leave the home.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Educate your loved one<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If someone doesn\u2019t know how important hydration is, then it is hard to take the situation seriously. Gently explain how important hydration is to daily functioning. Couch your discussion on the need for optimal health and well-being. Explain the consequences of dehydration in understandable terms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Make drinking easy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Encourage small amounts of drinking throughout the day, with an emphasis on starting early in the day. Have containers of water within reach throughout the living space. Avoid large containers that might be overwhelming. Check with your family member\u2019s healthcare provider on the recommended amount of fluid intake per day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Consider other sources of fluids<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This includes fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and other foods that have high water content.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>Avoid diuretics<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Some fluids actually increase urination, contributing to the problem of dehydration. These include caffeine and alcohol.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong>Reminders<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you are dealing with a family member who has dementia, this can be a real challenge. You can instruct the care providers to give reminders throughout the day. If not, then consider voice-activated systems like Reminder Rosie or some other system that automatically reminds your loved one to take a drink.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><strong>Discourage drinking during the evening<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Try to encourage maximum fluid intake earlier in the day. Drinking at night increases the need to urinate. Why is this a problem? Getting up during the night to go to the bathroom increases fall risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><strong>Repetition works<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Good habits are formed through repeated efforts. In time, your loved one will make hydration a normal part of their everyday routine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-730bfcf elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"730bfcf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/home-care#why-should-you-choose-boomershub-for-home-care\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find home care facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2be132a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2be132a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: normal;\"><strong style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: 0px;\">Why Hydration Is Important<\/strong><span style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); font-weight: var(--pchead-wei); letter-spacing: 0px;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Water is necessary for just about every bodily function. After all, our bodies are 60% water. As you think about the importance of hydration, and avoiding dehydration, consider how hydration affects these important functions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water helps with cardiovascular function<\/strong>. Dehydration puts a\u00a0<a title=\"how to prevent a stroke\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/prevent-a-stroke-by-adopting-these-healthy-living-habits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strain on the heart<\/a>. Water is necessary for blood volume. What this means is that dehydration lowers your blood volume making your heart work harder to get oxygen to your cells. This makes it harder to walk stairs, exercise or even do normal activities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water helps to lubricate muscles and joints<\/strong>. With enough water, your muscles can eliminate waste helping your muscles and joints function more efficiently.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water helps your kidneys to work properly<\/strong>. It helps the kidney filter waste from your blood and excrete it in your urine.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water helps regulate body temperature<\/strong>. Water helps keep your body cool during heat generated by exercise or warm temperatures outside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Staying hydrated helps your brain.<\/strong>\u00a0Even mild dehydration can affect mood, memory, and brain function. Staying hydrated helps your brain operate at its best.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ba7bb7 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9ba7bb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/nursing-home#nursing-home-options-in-your-area\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find nursing homes near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-358da797 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"358da797\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong style=\"color: var(--pcheading-cl); font-family: var(--pchead-font); letter-spacing: 0px;\">Seniors Can Definitely Avoid Dehydration\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Dehydration becomes a greater risk as we age, but it is preventable. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods with high water content, setting up reminders, and educating your elderly loved ones about the signs and symptoms are some of the techniques to prevent dehydration in seniors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Follow our tips and help your loved one stay as healthy as possible. And if you have any questions or concerns, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us. We\u2019re here to help!\u00a0Find other helpful articles and resources at <a href=\"https:\/\/boomershub.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BoomersHub<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why do seniors get dehydrated?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>In addition to age-related changes in their body, older adults also typically have lower volumes of water compared to younger people. Other reasons include medications, and certain illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, or UTIs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Can dehydration cause confusion in seniors?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>When someone is dehydrated, their body doesn&#8217;t have enough water to function properly. This can lead to a number of problems, including confusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why are seniors at a high risk for dehydration?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Seniors are at a high risk for dehydration because they often have a decreased sense of thirst, they often take medications that can cause dehydration, and they are more likely to have health conditions that predispose them to dehydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>What is an early sign of dehydration in the elderly?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>An early sign of dehydration in the elderly is a decrease in urine output. If you notice that your loved one is not urinating as much as usual, or if their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hdgh.org\/uploads\/BariatricAssessmentandTreatmentCentre\/dehydration%20urine%20colour%20chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">urine is darker<\/a> than normal, it may be a sign that they are becoming dehydrated.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Can dehydration cause hallucinations in the elderly?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Severe or prolonged dehydration can cause hallucinations in the elderly. It is also called Delirium, which can cause confusion and behavioral changes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><br \/><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do seniors get dehydrated? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In addition to age-related changes in their body, older adults also typically have lower volumes of water compared to younger people. Other reasons include medications, and certain illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, or UTIs. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dehydration cause confusion in seniors? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"When someone is dehydrated, their body doesn\u2019t have enough water to function properly. This can lead to a number of problems, including confusion. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why are seniors at a high risk for dehydration? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Seniors are at a high risk for dehydration because they often have a decreased sense of thirst, they often take medications that can cause dehydration, and they are more likely to have health conditions that predispose them to dehydration. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is an early sign of dehydration in the elderly? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An early sign of dehydration in the elderly is a decrease in urine output. If you notice that your loved one is not urinating as much as usual, or if their urine is darker than normal, it may be a sign that they are becoming dehydrated. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dehydration cause hallucinations in the elderly? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Severe or prolonged dehydration can cause hallucinations in the elderly. It is also called Delirium, which can cause confusion and behavioral changes. \"}}]}<\/script><br \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As you age, not getting enough hydration can have serious medical complications. Our guidelines will help you or your family members prevent dehydration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":2010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[20],"class_list":["post-1970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-fitness","tag-senior-care"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1970"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19069,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970\/revisions\/19069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}