Dehydration occurs when a body’s water balance is not appropriate. Many of the common causes of dehydration in Chula Vista Seniors include dehydration being a side effect of prescription medication, as a result of diarrhea, excessive sweating, loss of blood and certain diseases such as diabetes.
Chula Vista Seniors are at a greater risk of dehydration because the aging process brings less awareness to their thirst senses. The aging process can also diminish the body’s capability to ensure optimal fluid balance in the body, which leads to the point that Chula Vista seniors must drink even more fluids than normal to compensate for these changes associated with aging. Less body fluid can lead to more health risks for Chula Vista Seniors.
As we age, our bodies lose water. The numbers don’t lie. Ratios of body fluids in comparison to body weight should be approximately 60 percent in men and 52 percent in women until the early 40’s. Because of factors such as loss of muscle mass and increase of fat cells that accumulate during aging, by the age of 60 the ratio lowers to 52 percent in men and 46 percent in women.
Dehydration also occurs consistently as we age because of the gradual decline of the effectiveness of our kidneys. The kidneys ability to remove toxins from the blood declines with age. With this in mind, the kidneys are not as efficient in concentrating urine in less water, meaning Chula Vista seniors do lose fluids faster as they age.
Consequences of Dehydration to Chula Vista Seniors
If dehydration is not addressed and therefore untreated, it can result in dangerous health consequences for Chula Vista seniors. Health consequences include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Weak pulse
- Lowered blood pressure
- Seizures
- Renal Kidney failure
- Swelling of the brain (cerebral edema)
- Heatstroke/heat cramps/heat injury
- Coma
Dehydration precaution must be practiced during the Chula Vista summer season. The temperature ranges during these months between 70 to sometimes over 100 degrees. Chula Vista seniors are very susceptible to dehydration during these summer months and can easily succumb to the health consequences associated with dehydration.
What Can Chula Vista Seniors Do
Especially during the summer season, Chula Vista Seniors must always bring an adequate supply of water and other fluids. Make sure to constantly sip fluids as well as eat fruits packed with vitamin C to help with the retention of the fluids. Also try to avoid extreme heat and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Chula Vista Seniors must be on the lookout for symptoms of dehydration. Symptoms include cramping, dryness of mouth, inability to urinate, dark or deep yellow urine, headaches, weakness, bloated stomach, fast breathing, and irritability.