Why are older clients at risk for dehydration?

Older clients are at risk for dehydration primarily because the amount of water in the body decreases with age. As individuals age, physiological changes occur, leading to a reduction in total body water content. This decrease is due to a variety of factors, including an increase in body fat and a decrease in lean muscle mass and intracellular water.

Additionally, older adults might also experience hormonal changes that affect their thirst response and kidney function, prompting less efficient regulation of body fluids. The resultant lower fluid reserves make them more vulnerable to dehydration. While lifestyle habits such as drinking less water daily can contribute to the risk, the fundamental issue of body composition changes with age is a key factor that underlies the increased vulnerability to dehydration.