Elderly lack strong thirst signal
With summer (hopefully) around the corner for many of us, it’s always good review warm weather safety.
An Australian study suggest that older people don’t drink enough water and become easily dehydrated because their thirst signal can be diminished:
The researchers aren’t sure whether thirst signals from the body or the interpretation of these signals by the brain cause the problem, said study author Gary Egan, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne.
Knowledge of this lack of coordination may make it easier to motivate older people “to make sure they are actively re-hydrating because there is a clear reason why they are not necessarily aware of their own need to drink,” Egan said.
Heat sickness can happen fast and can be very dangerous, especially for the children and the elderly.
I can see this in my dad, somewhat.
Last year, we had record breaking temperatures and humidity as well as a massive drought.
When he was outside and when we were at the beach, I had to physically hand him water to drink, or he never would have thought of it. Even then, he was a bit puzzled why I kept handing it
Be careful out there and make sure your parents and grandparents know the importance of staying hydrated even when they don’t “feel thirsty”.
Elizabeth, my mother was like this. Of all things she said she did not like water. I had to continually urge her to drink water. She passed away 8 years ago at 83.
I love water. Wherever I am sitting there is a glass beside me. A glass beside my bed at night.
When I am in the yard, on the porch or in the car I always have a bottle of water with me.
So guess this senior will not have thirst signals.
Thirst ( afaik ) , can also be an indication of diabetes ; I`ve just turned 60 and have type 2 diabetes ( diet controlled ) , but I`m going to see the doctor for another glucose test .