With the summer setting in and temperatures rising, it becomes especially important to support the well-being of our ageing loved ones — starting with something as simple yet vital as staying hydrated.As we grow older, our body’s ability to retain and signal thirst naturally changes, making older adults more prone to dehydration, especially during hot weather. A study assessing knowledge of dehydration among older adults shows that a large proportion of seniors do not meet daily hydration needs, with nearly 60% consuming less than two litres of fluid per day. Dehydration is largely preventable with the right awareness and care, and this gap can be addressed with small, mindful changes.Understanding why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration is key to safeguarding their health. This article explores five critical reasons behind this vulnerability and offers insights for caregivers and families to better support ageing loved ones.1. Lower Total Body Water Content: With age, the proportion of water in the body naturally decreases. This means older adults have a smaller fluid reserve, making them more prone to dehydration during illness, heat, or periods of reduced intake. Even slight fluid deficits can trigger symptoms more quickly in seniors than in younger individuals. This makes maintaining consistent hydration particularly important, rather than relying on thirst as an indicator.2. Inadequate Nutritional Intake and Fluid-Rich Foods: Poor appetite, dental issues, or chronic illness often lead to skipped meals and lower fluid intake. Many seniors consume fewer fluid-rich foods—like fruits, vegetables, and soups—that contribute significantly to daily hydration. Inadequate nutrition can also impair electrolyte balance, further compromising fluid retention. Including water-rich meals helps ensure better hydration.3. Multimorbidity (Multiple Chronic Conditions): Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are common in older adults. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021 report, around 75% of elderly in India live with one or more chronic conditions. These illnesses often cause fluid loss or require fluid restrictions. For instance, diabetes may lead to frequent urination, while heart failure treatment may limit fluid intake.Managing hydration in such cases requires personalised care plans.4. Polypharmacy (Multiple Medications):Taking multiple medications (polypharmacy) is common among older adults managing various health conditions. Many prescribed drugs affect hydration by increasing fluid loss or suppressing thirst. Diuretics, often used for hypertension and heart conditions, increase urine output. Laxatives cause fluid loss through the gastrointestinal tract. Anticholinergics and certain psychotropics may suppress thirst or cause dry mouth.Additionally, complex drug interactions can disrupt fluid balance in ways not immediately apparent. Routine medication reviews with a healthcare provider can identify drugs contributing to dehydration and allow simple adjustments—such as dosing changes or encouraging additional fluids—to manage these effects.5. Mobility and Cognitive Challenges: Physical limitations or cognitive impairments can hinder an older person’s ability to access or remember to drink fluids. Arthritis, weakness, fear of falling, or limited mobility make getting drinks difficult, while dementia and other cognitive conditions impair recognition of thirst or the importance of hydration, leaving older adults dependent on caregivers. Supervised hydration schedules, easy access to water, and adaptive cups or containers can help overcome these barriers. Dehydration poses a significant health risk to India’s growing elderly population. Through understanding the key risk factors and implementing appropriate preventive strategies, caregivers and healthcare providers can help reduce dehydration-related complications and promote healthier ageing for India’s senior citizens.Regular assessment of hydration status should be incorporated into routine healthcare visits for older adults, with particular attention during seasonal changes, illness, or medication adjustments. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of elder care, we can significantly improve quality of life and reduce preventable hospitalisations among our ageing population.