Dehydration: a cause of falls?

28/12/2007

Dehydration has been identified as a critical risk factor for falls in older people because it can lead to a deterioration in mental state and an increase in the likelihood of dizziness and fainting. So as part of an effective falls prevention strategy, the maintenance of adequate levels of hydration in older people is highly significant.

Not getting enough water can quickly result in tiredness, headaches and constipation. And a recent British Medical Association study also found that people who stint on drinking water do markedly less well in tests for concentration, short term memory and the mobility co-ordination needed to avoid falls.

The recommended daily intake of fluids for older people should not be 1.6 litres and above - but  unfortunately many older people do not achieve anything like this. Indeed, it has been shown that thirst, the body's natural response to dehydration is impaired in older people - with stroke victims or those suffering from Alzheimer's disease being particularly insensitive to thirst.

For obvious reasons, many older people 'restrict' their water intake to avoid difficult or inconvenient toilet visits. And older people may also be losing out on their 20% of water intake normally contained in food if they have a diminished appetite or a poor diet due to poverty.

But whether living independently, or being looked after by caregivers there are some simple ways to keep water intake high:
- Keep a jug of water in the fridge, with a supply of lemon slices
- Liven up a glass of water with a slice of fruit, squirt of lemon or lime juice
- Start the day with a glass of water when you wake
- If you are out and about during the day, always carry a small bottle of tap water
- Start/accompany your meals with a glass of water and reduce your intake of dehydrating alcohol
- Drink more water on hotter days, when normal fluid intake will be lost through perspiration