Resumen de Conditions of fluid intake in the elderly

Esmeralda Carrillo Prieto, S. Gómez Suárez, V. Pérez Ludeña

• Introduction: Aging process is associated with several physiologic changes that may affect the water balance, influencing the water input (thirst) and water output (urine, stool, sweat, and insensible respiration and perspiration). Some studies claim that 1% of hospitalized elderly suffer dehydration. This diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity-mortality (40-70%).

  Objective: To describe the determinants of fluid intake in the elderly. Urine osmolality will also be measured. Method: Descriptive, transversal and observational study. Sample: people aged ≥ 65 years from Toledo. Exclusion criteria: enteral-parenteral nutrition, pathology with water restriction, current acute process, terminal illness and severe dementia. Sampling: recruitment of convenience. Variables (Ad hoc questionnaire): sociodemographic, clinical (drugs, water intake volume, nutritional habits, symptoms and related factors), density and urine pH. Statistical analysis: SPSS 22. Pilot study was conducted to verify the relevance of the questionnaire.

  Results: Pilot study: Sixteen adults. 43.8% women, aged 77±7.46. Urine density=1,029.38±6.80, pH=6.03±0.53. Drugs: 12.5% don’t take, 25% take 1-3, 62.5% take ≥4.75% take IECAS and 31.25% take diuretics. Water intake: 12.5%: 6-8 glasses, 37.5%: 8-12 glasses and 50%: ≥12 glasses. Intake of fruits and vegetables: 50% ≥3 times daily and 12.5% don’t take daily. Causes of decreased fluid intake: 44.44% decrease in thirst, 22.22% quickly sated and 11.11% doesn’t like water. Consequences: 28.95% xerostomia, 13.16% dizziness/hypotension-weakness, 13.16% constipation, 15.79% less urine and 10.53% urinary infection.

  Conclusions: Elderly don’t have a good habit of hydration. It’s important to prevent dehydration to minimize the effects on their health. More measures should be included in Health Programs.