Dehydration Impairs Muscle Function in Seniors

A study published in Nutrients found seniors are at a higher risk for chronic dehydration, which can impair muscle function and performance of everyday tasks, reports WWLTV . The researchers found decreasing lean mass with aging means a potential increase in fat mass, and total body water decreases in women and obese individuals. "Prevalence of dehydration in seniors has been estimated at 20-30 percent and is associated with greater disability, morbidity, and mortality," the researchers explained. They added that "alterations in the hydro-electrolytic balance may cause decreased muscle strength, gait instability, falls, fractures, respiratory infections, confusion, renal failure, and increased medication toxicity, and may increase the risk of death." Causes of dehydration in seniors are primarily associated with reduced thirst sensation consistent with lessened ability to concentrate urine. Adults 60 to 79 years old have a maximum urine osmolality and solute absorption of 20 percent and 50 percent lower, respectively, versus younger adults. "Water is an essential nutrient for life as it plays fundamental metabolic, transport, structural, and temperature control roles in the body," the researchers concluded. "Aging is characterized by slow and progressive process of dehydration and hyperosmotic stress, which, apart from being related with inflammation, causes cell shrinkage and damage to intracellular protein structure and function."