Final answer:
Seniors are at risk for dehydration due to a decrease in total body water with age. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues including heart palpitations, dizziness, and in severe cases, death. Close monitoring of hydration levels is essential for the well-being of seniors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since total body water decreases with age, seniors are at risk for dehydration. Dehydration refers to a condition where the loss of water exceeds the intake, leading to a reduced water content in the body. This negative water balance can have various health implications for seniors.
Effects of dehydration include loss of weight due to the reduction in tissue water, disturbances in acid-base balance, and can cause weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, and in severe cases, may lead to death. The reduction in total body water and the consequent dehydration in seniors can result from factors like reduced thirst response, medication side effects, or the body's decreased ability to conserve water. It's important for seniors and caregivers to monitor hydration levels closely to prevent these adverse effects.
Moreover, since dehydration decreases blood volume, the water from cells moves into the blood to compensate, causing cells to shrink, which may lead to a range of issues including circulatory failure and impairments in bodily functions.