May 27, 2025 in El Mirage Emergency Room, Health Tips

Spotting Dehydration in Seniors – Do You Know the Signs?

In honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day this week, we want to highlight an important aspect of senior wellness in Arizona. In our hot and dry desert climate, dehydration poses significant health risks, especially for senior citizens. Studies show that up to 37% of seniors who are hospitalized come in with symptoms of dehydration. 

Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration for a variety of reasons:

  • As we age, we don’t retain water as effectively due to losing muscle mass.
  • Starting around age 40, our kidneys become increasingly less efficient at removing toxins from the blood, making them less able to concentrate urine. 
  • The thirst sensation lessens as we get older, meaning seniors are less able to rely on feeling thirsty to get their needed fluid intake.
  • Some seniors may fear incontinence, making them hesitant to drink enough fluids.
  • Many medications, or combinations of medications, can cause an upset stomach (making drinking less desirable) or dehydration.

In Arizona, with soaring temperatures and low humidity, dehydration can go unnoticed in senior citizens until it becomes an emergency.

Do you know the signs of dehydration in seniors? Recognizing these early symptoms of dehydration in El Mirage can make a huge difference in the treatment and wellness of the older adults in your life:

  • Unusual fatigue or muscle weakness
  • Confusion, disorientation, or irritability
  • Eyes that appear sunken
  • Dark-colored or strong-smelling urine
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid heartrate
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Inability to sweat or produce tears

If you notice any of these symptoms it’s time to intervene! Ensure the individual consumes water, or beverages containing electrolytes, right away. They should continue to do so for the hours and days that follow. It’s also important to know that these symptoms can quickly and easily progress to an emergency. 

If you notice these additional symptoms in anyone, regardless of age, you should immediately bring them to the El Mirage Emergency Room for dehydration treatment in El Mirage:

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Inability to keep fluids down
  • Vomiting or diarrhea that persists
  • Low urine output
  • Fever
  • Dry skin that appears to have lost elasticity

We encourage our senior patients to drink fluids on a set schedule, rather than rely on thirst cues. And while water is our recommended fluid for people of all ages, we also realize that tastes and preferences may require intake of different fluids. However, try to avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee or sodas, as these can have a dehydrating effect.

At the El Mirage Emergency Room, our compassionate medical team understands how quickly a hot day can lead to an emergency medical situation. We’re here to quickly assess and treat dehydration, as well as any other emergency medical situation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Stay hydrated, stay healthy, and when in doubt, seek help.

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