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Both of my aging parents seem to struggle with medical problems related to dehydration. Is this a problem we all face as we get older?

Keeping a good balance of fluids and electrolytes is a challenge for the aging human body. There are many factors that make this a problem. Besides a natural decrease in thirst as we age, anyone with difficulty swallowing will take in fewer liquids. Poor dental health or poorly fitting dentures make it hard to chew properly. The adult who has had a stroke may have even more problems with chewing and swallowing. A loss of taste and smell can result in reduced thirst and appetite. Even simple things can lead to dehydration. For example, a water softener with salt can be part of the picture. Acute illness with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting can lead to fluid loss. This is even more of a problem for the adult already taking drugs for heart disease, Parkinson’s, or cancer. As we age, urinary incontinence or dribbling of urine can become a problem. The natural response is to quit drinking fluids. This not only irritates the bladder making the incontinence worse, it adds to the chances of getting dehydrated. A healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, getting plenty of fluids, rest, and exercise go a long way toward preventing dehydration.

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