Search

Background: Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte problem among elderly people. The elderly leading an active lifestyle may be a risk group vulnerable to dehydration. Objective: The goals of the study were: to assess hydration status and the fluid intake, to determine gender differences in hydration status and fluid intake, and to determine the role of physical activity on hydration status in free-living elderly people. Methods: The research sample included 105 participants aged 67.2 ± 3.7 years (52% women) living independently in their own homes. Urine specific gravity (USG) was used to evaluate the hydration status (dehydration was defined as USG = 1.020 and serious dehydration as USG > 1.030). A 4-day food record was used to monitor fluid intake, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires - Short Form was used to assess physical activity. Results: The prevalence of dehydration was 45.7% with a lower prevalence in women. Serious dehydration was prevalent in two participants. Average daily beverage intake was 1144.4 ± 445.2 ml. There was no gender difference in total fluid intake. However, only 27.3% of women and 4.0% of men fulfilled the recommended daily fluid intake. Participants with moderate or high levels of physical activity had a better hydration status compared to their low-physical activity peers. Conclusions: These results indicate that almost half of elderly adults are dehydrated. The study suggests that being physically active can contribute to better fluid replenishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adequate hydration status is essential to maintain health; the benefits apply at all ages. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physical activity on fluid intake in older adults living independently in their own homes. The research sample included 55 persons aged 60-80 (47% males, 53% females) living independently. Urine specific gravity was used to evaluate the hydration status and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) - Short Form assessed physical activity. Results of the study showed that 42% of seniors were dehydrated with a lower incidence in women. Seniors with adequate or high levels of physical activity had a better hydration status compared with their low physical activity peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]