Dehydration    med.: Volumenmangel der extrazellulären Flüssigkeit, u.a. des Blutplasmas – dem Körper wird weniger Flüssigkeit zugef... is a serious health risk, especially for older people. Due to physiological changes in old age, seniors are more susceptible to increased dehydration (lack of volume) and even exsiccosis (severe dehydration). In addition, certain health problems contribute to older people having an increased risk of dehydration. In this article, we will take a closer look at these health problems.

1. Reduced thirst: The sensation of thirst decreases with increasing age. This can lead to senior citizens not consuming enough fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration.
2. Change in body composition: Due to the decrease in muscle mass and the increase in body fat, the body water percentage decreases. As muscle tissue serves as a water reservoir, the risk of dehydration increases in older people.
3. Changes in the hormone balance: With increasing age, there may be changes in the hormone balance, particularly in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. These hormones regulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys. A low level can lead to increased excretion of water and increase the risk of dehydration.
4. Reduced kidney function: Kidney function can decline with age. The kidney’s reduced response to the hormone adiuretin (ADH) reduces the urine’s ability to concentrate and increases fluid excretion.
5. Diabetes mellitus    griech. diabeinein, hindurch passieren (für vermehrte Harnausscheidung), lat. mellitus, honigsüß. Diabetes mellitus ist ... is based on a disorder of insulin secretion and/or peripheral insulin resistance of varying degrees, which lead to hyperglycemia. The kidneys are activated to remove the excess sugar from the blood. With the help of the stored water, the sugar is excreted via an increased urine volume. If the water loss is not replenished, the blood sugar level rises again, the insulin effect decreases further with dehydration and the vicious circle continues.
6. Dementia: Dementia is a neurological disease that impairs cognitive function. People with dementia may have difficulty recognizing their need for fluids or communicating that they are thirsty. This often leads to them not drinking enough fluids and becoming dehydrated.
7. Mobility impairments: Older people with mobility impairments may have difficulty accessing water or toilets, which can lead to reduced fluid intake. This group is particularly vulnerable as they may not be able to meet their needs independently.
8. Gastrointestinal diseases: Gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting or gastrointestinal inflammation can occur in older people and lead to increased fluid loss. This loss of fluids can lead to dehydration, especially if the fluid loss is not compensated.
9. Dysphagia: Another cause of reduced fluid intake in the elderly is the fear of choking or aspiration as a result of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Age-related changes affect all phases of the swallowing act: xerostomia (dry mouth), due to reduced or absent salivation, delayed swallowing reflex and swallowing motor skills. In addition, neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s and dementia are often accompanied by swallowing disorders.
10. Multimorbidity in old age often requires the use of various medications. These are often diuretics and laxatives, which have a diuretic effect and increase the risk of dehydration.
11. Urinary incontinence: The risk of developing urinary incontinence increases with age. There are many reasons for this: changes in the bladder muscles, neurological diseases, prostate problems, urinary tract infections or medication. Incontinence and the fear of frequent visits to the toilet usually inhibit drinking and thus lead to dehydration.
12. Medication: Many older people regularly take medication that can have diuretic (diuretic) effects. These drugs increase urine production and can lead to increased dehydration if fluid intake is not increased accordingly.

It is important that seniors with the aforementioned health problems drink enough fluids. Relatives, caregivers and healthcare professionals should be informed about the specific needs of these people and support them with hydration. Regular fluid intake, especially in hot weather or during periods of illness, can help minimize the risks of increased dehydration and maintain your health and quality of life.

This can be supported by innovative health aids such as the LAQA SmartCup, an intelligent drinking cup that gives the care recipient a fully automatic drinking impulse regularly and as required, thus significantly reducing the risk of dehydration.