Dehydration in Older Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

Dehydration is more than just feeling thirsty—especially as we get older. In this episode of the Better Health While Aging podcast, Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, a board-certified geriatrician, explains how aging affects hydration and what you can do to protect yourself or a loved one. Learn why older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration, how to recognize signs and symptoms that may be overlooked, how dehydration is actually diagnosed, and what practical treatment steps can help prevent serious health consequences. Dr. Kernisan also explains what to know about heat stroke and how to take precautions during heat waves. Whether you're navigating hot weather, illness, or daily life, this video will help you stay hydrated and healthier as you age. Sign up for Better Health While Aging’s newsletter to receive expert, practical health advice from board-certified geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH.: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/for-older-adults/ Find related resources here: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/dehydration-and-heat-stroke-in-older-adults-symptoms-treatment-prevention/ Q&A: How to Prevent, Detect, & Treat Dehydration in Aging Adults: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/ Topics Covered What dehydration means and how it affects the body Why older adults are more prone to dehydration Common causes: medications, mobility, memory loss, incontinence Symptoms to look for—and why they can be unreliable How dehydration is diagnosed with lab tests Treatment options for mild, moderate, and severe dehydration Tips for preventing dehydration in daily life and hot weather How to stay safe during heat waves #DehydrationAwareness #HydrationTips #HealthyAging #SeniorHealth #BetterHealthWhileAging #Geriatrics #OlderAdults #Hydrated Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Dehydration 1:37 What is Dehydration? 3:53 Why Older Adults Are at Risk 7:00 Causes of Dehydration in Aging 8:56 Symptoms & Signs to Watch For 10:57 Diagnosing Dehydration 15:04 Consequences of Dehydration 16:56 How to Treat Dehydration 18:13 When to See a Doctor 21:52 Tips for Preventing Dehydration 24:55 Managing Hot Weather 29:44 Recap & Final Tips 👍 If this video helped you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support more practical guidance on aging well. Watch Next: Is Your Blood Pressure Too Low? Understanding Hypotension https://youtu.be/8_depH-gT4o Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions https://youtu.be/wO4XgM51tgw Protein, Metabolism & Aging: Nutrition Tips for Longevity https://youtu.be/BzpaQ0F49JE The Surprising Risks of Too Much Vitamin D for Seniors https://youtu.be/YIvY8wyjfE4 Falls Prevention: 8 Things Doctors Should Check https://youtu.be/satn4smVBqE?si=wi3c2M1ho5Lo4FfO Can Exercise Reverse Aging? How to Exercise to Age Well https://youtu.be/jbVT7GSDsEs High Blood Pressure in Aging: When to Treat & Why It Matters https://youtu.be/Op4UsXgJEQU Disclaimer The material on the Better Health While Aging YouTube channel, including any exchanges in the comments section, is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Kernisan may make regarding an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a physician-patient relationship between Dr. Kernisan and a caregiver, or care recipient. None of Dr. Kernisan’s website, social media, comments, or group information should be considered a substitute for individualized medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see the full disclaimer for more information: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/disclaimer/