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Reasons for inadequate fluid intake in the elderly
Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, August 25, 2006
Unfortunately, normal aging changes increase the risk for fluid imbalance and dehydration. The elderly are less capable of maintaining fluid balance compared with younger persons. Also, many elderly persons (especially women) deliberately limit fluids to reduce the risk of accidental or frequent urination. Some residents may refuse all fluids after the evening meal to avoid having to get up at night to urinate.
Other common reasons for inadequate fluid intake and abnormal loss of fluids include the following:
- Decreased content of body water
- Age-related changes in thirst sensation
- Decreased thirst response
- Renal changes
- Dysphagia
- Poor dietary intake (food is up to 80% fluid)
- Lack of available fluid
- Warm environmental temperature
- Physical or mental inability to consume fluids independently
- Depression, alteration in mood or cognitive status
- Delirium
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Apathy
- Bedrest, causing physiological changes and fluid loss
- Immobility
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