Drinking regularly is extremely important, especially in summer temperatures. A reduced feeling of thirst can occur with increasing age. In addition, increased fluid loss may occur for individual physiological reasons. It is therefore particularly important for older people to make sure they drink enough fluids during the warmer months.
Why thirst often decreases: reduced thirst in old age
Scientific studies indicate that older people feel fuller more quickly after drinking than younger people. As a result, people often drink less. All cells are subject to a daily ageing process. Basically, people age throughout their lives, but the consequences are more pronounced in old age. An altered perception of satiety appears to be caused by the ageing process of nerve cells. This leads to impaired perception, particularly in the mouth and throat, but also in the stomach. It can also be assumed that the information transmitted by the nerve cells in the brain is impaired. The brain gets the impression that the body has already had enough to drink.
How a classic feeling of thirst arises
If you drink too little water, your body becomes dehydrated. As a result, the blood volume decreases, the concentration of some salts in the blood increases and the person feels thirsty. This is the case when the human body loses more than 0.5 percent of its total weight through water loss. As long as the body continues to receive fluid, a mechanism kicks in. Sensors in the mouth, throat, oesophagus and stomach inform the brain that the fluid reserves have been replenished. The brain stops all precautionary processes that should counteract a lack of fluids. This also reduces the feeling of thirst. Nature has set this up in the body in such a way that even before the water arrives, a counter-control takes place in the blood via the intestine. The sensors in a healthy body are so sensitive that they can estimate how much fluid is on its way to being used in the body.
Reduced feeling of thirst: reduced fluid intake despite increased water requirement
The mechanism used to create the feeling of thirst often no longer seems to function smoothly in older people. In addition, the brain appears to react more sensitively to even small amounts of fluid in old age. Scientists assume that the sensors on the nerves in the digestive organs become less accurate with age. Processing in the brain could also lead to inaccuracies. Although older people can feel thirsty, these altered measuring mechanisms in the body result in a reduced desire to drink. Insufficient fluid intake can have a huge impact on physical health.
Drinking quantity in old age despite reduced thirst
According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), senior citizens should drink at least 1.3 to 1.5 liters. This value is to be regarded as an approximate guide value. Personal circumstances also play an important role in fluid balance. For example, taking medication, an increased urge to exercise, illnesses accompanied by fever, vomiting or diarrhea or high summer temperatures can additionally increase the water requirements of older people. Older people who suffer from heart, kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor about the amount of fluid they drink.
Simple tips for a better water supply: With a drinking log, you can easily record how much fluid you have already consumed throughout the day. It is also helpful to have the appropriate number of glasses for a whole day’s drinking requirements in a visible place in the kitchen. This makes it easy to reduce the feeling of thirst.
