Your ability to respond to dehydration and retain water is limited, while thirst sensations may also be reduced. Certain medications can also increase the risk of water imbalance in older people. The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Depression is Treatable Depression can strike at any age, but it tends to be particularly common among seniors. More than 20 percent of those 65 and older experience some level of depression. It is thought that an additional 10 percent who have been given a diagnosis of dementia may actually be suffering from depression.
Depression is treatable, no matter what the person's age.
If someone is experiencing one or more of the above signs, contact a mental health professional for more information. In 1999, five elderly Houstonians died in their homes due to excessive heat and no air conditioning. As little as two hours a day of refrigerated air conditioning can provide life-saving relief to an elderly person. It is not necessary to air condition the entire house. During the heat of the summer, it may be difficult for the elderly to care for their yard.