Dehydration in the elderly
As the warm weather fades and we move into autumn it is important to remember to keep well hydrated. Dehydration can pose big health risks for older adults in warm or cold weather.
The elderly are more “at risk” for dehydration for a number of reasons. Our body’s ability to conserve water diminishes with age, which makes it tough to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures we have been having lately. Also the sensation of being thirsty reduces which means someone could be dehydrated before they even feel thirsty. Some medications or medical conditions can also have an impact.
Signs to look out for include headache, constipation, muscle cramps, dry mouth and tongue, and sleepiness or lethargy. Urine should be clear or light yellow for someone who is properly hydrated. If it continues unchecked, it can cause someone to become quite ill, signs of this include little or no urination, dark coloured urine and weakness or dizziness.
Drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods with high water content is a great way to keep our bodies properly hydrated. Water isn’t the only option though, if your family members are anything like mine they do not like drinking plain water all the time. Offer them something that they like as they are more likely to drink it! Tea and coffee are fine as well. Smaller cups on a regular basis may be the best option for someone who is forgetful or has continence issues.
Keeping track of fluid intake is a simple but important part of caring for your loved ones.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.6% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.1% Critical thinking
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29.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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