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Hydration status of community-dwelling seniors

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Abstract

Background and aims: Dehydration is the most common fluid or electrolyte disorder among older persons. This study was designed to examine the hydration status of community-dwelling seniors. Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected from 67 independently living volunteers (65–93 yrs) who had functional limitations but no condition that contraindicated 10 min of moderate exercise. Forty-six subjects who were not diabetic, had fasted for 12 hours, and had blood glucose levels ≤115 mg/dL were thus included. Urine and serum samples were analyzed for osmolality (mosm/kg), Na+ (mmol/L) and K+ (mmol/L). Whole blood was analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb, g/dL) and hematocrit (Hct, %) and urine for specific gravity (USG). Means and standard deviations for the current data were compared with normal values. Results: All values were within normal ranges except urine osmolality. Conclusions: While changes associated with aging may predispose an individual to dehydration, functionally limited, independently living older individuals demonstrate normal hydration status following a 12-hr fast. This suggests that dehydration is not solely a function of the aging process, but may be more related to concomitant medical conditions or dependent living.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of HMSLS, Department of Kinesiology, Bowling Green State University, 216 Eppler South, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

    Amy L. Morgan PhD

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH

    Michelle M. Masterson

  3. Health Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

    Mariane M. Fahlman

  4. School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

    Robert V. Topp

  5. Department of Public Health and Rehabilitative Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA

    Debra Boardley

Authors
  1. Amy L. Morgan PhD
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  2. Michelle M. Masterson
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  3. Mariane M. Fahlman
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  4. Robert V. Topp
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  5. Debra Boardley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amy L. Morgan PhD.

Additional information

This research was published as an Abstract for the 2002 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.

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Morgan, A.L., Masterson, M.M., Fahlman, M.M. et al. Hydration status of community-dwelling seniors. Aging Clin Exp Res 15, 301–304 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324513

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324513

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