There are several reasons why older adults need to drink more water.
Renal dysfunction
According to a 2023 study published in the scientific journal Nutrients , starting at age 40, the kidneys begin to lose their ability to retain water, making it difficult to maintain fluid balance in the body. And this decline accelerates after age 65.
Older adults may need to drink more water than when they were younger.
In addition to the gradual decline in kidney function mentioned above, the following are reasons why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration.
Medications. Older adults tend to take many medications that can cause dehydration, including:
Diabetes medications affect fluid retention by causing more frequent urination. These medications and laxatives can also cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.
Blood pressure medications can reduce fluid intake and also have diuretic properties.
Age-related issues. A 2023 study in Nutrients added that older adults may also have difficulty moving or swallowing, making it harder to drink water. People with urinary incontinence also often limit their fluid intake, and people with dementia may forget to drink enough water.
Older adults tend to take many medications that can cause dehydration.
How to keep your body hydrated
Because water needs can vary from person to person, Koll recommends consulting with your doctor to find out how much water is best for you to drink each day.
Drinking water only when you feel thirsty is not enough. You may need to drink more water between meals to stay hydrated.
A good tip is to look at the color of your urine: Dark urine is often a sign of dehydration, but also pay attention to feeling tired or dizzy.
You can also drink water from a 500 ml bottle to calculate the amount of water you have drunk during the day.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ly-do-vi-sao-nguoi-tuoi-50-can-uong-nuoc-nhieu-hon-185240921233737111.htm
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