Dehydration and Seniors

Donna Nichols • August 12, 2021

Tips on Prevention and Treatment

Staying hydrated is so important for everyone, but especially more important for seniors.

A lot of seniors will just sometimes forget to drink enough and that makes it even harder to ensure they are hydrated. For seniors, good hydration ensures their medications work properly.

Some health risks that come with dehydration:

  • shock
  • heatstroke
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • kidney failure or stones
  • urinary tract infections.

Of course, these can happen in anyone, but when you’re older you can’t fight them off like you used to.

Also, when you’re older you don’t realize you’re dehydrated because seniors have less efficient kidneys so the urine contains more water and seniors have a decreased ability to keep fluids in balance with their bodies.

Tips for Prevention and Treatment of dehydration in Seniors

Symptoms of dehydration

Here are some of the symptoms of dehydration. There are mild and severe symptoms; mild symptoms can usually be rectified by you or someone else, severe symptoms require medical assistance.

Mild Symptoms

  1. Dry mouth
  2. Tiredness
  3. Infrequent urination
  4. Dizziness
  5. Headaches
  6. Irritability

The best way to treat mild dehydration is by replacing the lost fluids with drinking water or another liquid containing electrolytes.

Do NOT drink sugary liquids such as sodas .

Severe Symptoms

  1. Bloated stomach
  2. Low blood pressure
  3. Convulsions
  4. Severe cramping
  5. Confusion
  6. Dry, sunken eyes

The only way to treat severe symptoms of dehydration is by an IV with electrolytes and salt.

PLEASE seek immediate medical assistance.

How much water do seniors need?

You can figure how much water you need to drink pretty easily; you divide your body weight in half to get the number of ounces you need to drink a day.

For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you would need to drink 80 ounces of water. A glass holds 8 ounces, so you would need to drink 10 glasses of water a day.

Benefits of drinking enough water

Drinking enough water can help keep you healthy, but can also help with the following:

  • Less constipation
  • Fewer falls
  • Less urinary tract infections
  • Reduced risk of colorectal cancer

If you’re planning on being outside, especially here in Ormond Beach, Florida , your water intake will need to be considerably higher. The heat and sun can drain your body of the fluids you need and you can become dehydrated quickly.

Do not drink cold water too quickly, it can actually make you sick as it can cause your body to go into shock. This is rare and pretty severe, but it can happen. So just be careful.

I always drink room temperature water when on the golf course. One day it was extremely hot and I thought I’d take some cold water, BIG mistake.

Yes, it tasted so good and it was very refreshing, but I drank it so quickly that I was sick to my stomach and almost vomited. I stick with the room temperature water from now on and have iced tea when I go inside.

Please make sure your loved one stays hydrated, it’s so important to their health and well-being!

Should you notice signs of dehydration, PLEASE seek assistance immediately!!

Stay hydrated my friends!!!

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

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Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.