It is true that water is essential for life. However, unless your throat feels parched or you sweat under intense heat, you may give little thought to your fluid consumption. As a person ages the need to maintain adequate hydration can become a daily challenge. Water is the most abundant substance in the human body and actively participates in many chemical reactions throughout the body. Water supplies no calories yet nearly every cell in the human body relies on water to function.
Water is important in maintaining appropriate body temperature.
It also provides a transport medium so nutrients and oxygen are carried to the cells and waste products are removed. Dehydration is a concern for the elderly population and can result in altered mental status, lethargy and lightheadedness. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other illnesses. Older adults are at increased risk for dehydration for many reasons. Physiologically, they face a decreased ability to recognize thirst.