When getting old need to drink more water

Researchers found that as people age, they need to drink more water to compensate for changes in their body temperature regulation.

In contrast to young adults, the regulation of body temperature in the older subjects was not influenced by the increase of saltiness in the blood.

When older people exercise, their bodies do not adjust the rate of sweat loss to prevent further dehydration. This results in greater strain on the heart, evidenced by a more pronounced increase in heart rate compared to younger men. 

Less efficient regulation of body temperature contributes to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and adverse heart problems. 

Dr. Nodar Janas, medical director of Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New York, said, “As we get older, our thirst center — which is located in the hypothalamus — isn’t as active as it used to be, so the brain doesn’t always give the signal that we need to drink. We need to make an extra effort to ensure that the elderly consume appropriate amounts of fluids, whether they’re thirsty or not.” 

“If an elderly person gets dehydrated, one of the first organs to suffer are the kidneys, which can cause acute kidney failure. Dehydration also creates electrolyte imbalances, which can be deadly.” 

Researchers also said that a reduced sensitivity in older people to elevated blood osmolality (concentration of salt) could explain the blunted effect of dehydration on hearing loss and body temperature regulation in older adults during exercise and in greater heat. 

Moreover, as we age, we prefer warmer temperatures and sometimes too warm without realizing we are dehydrated. 

Hydration is key in regulating body temperature and helping fight off a host of other health problems as staying hydrated can help avoid illnesses by helping our body naturally rid itself of bacteria and other toxins. 

On the other hand, dehydration can cause a number of ailments, including muscle pain and muscle weakness, fatigue and heat exhaustion.

Besides thirst, other symptoms of dehydration include dark or infrequent urination, dry skin and lips, muscle cramps (especially in legs, feet, and hands), low blood pressure, elevated heart rate, fatigue and “general malaise.”