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Words: 428 Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Dehydration is one of most frequent causes of hospitalization among people over age of 65.
An article in Nurse Practitioner concluded that "Dehydration is most common fluid and electrolyte disturbance among elderly population today."
Water is important to all bodily processes say medical experts. Water carries nutrients, hormones, and disease fighting cells and antibodies to and from body organs through bloodstream. Water carries carbon dioxide and waste products to lungs, intestinal tract and kidneys to be excreted.
Hypertension, circulation disorders, kidney stones, arthritis, indigestion and constipation are all common disorders found in elderly people that can be directly, or indirectly, caused in inadequate water intake. Over age of 65 thirst diminishes and a person is not likely to drink without consciously thinking about it.
A lack of water aids kidney stone development since there isn't adequate water for kidneys to flush out stone forming minerals.
A lack of water causes sodium levels in body to rise. When not enough water is ingested, body holds water. This causes fluid buildup and sodium retention. Salt draws water out of tissues, increasing dehydration. This can result in confusion, excitability, and a host of other problems to which older people are prone to, especially increased blood pressure.
