DEHYDRATION

OLDER people get dehydrated more easily, so it’s especially important for them to drink plenty of water.

They are prone to dehydration because they may not be drinking enough water in hot weather or in a heated house, or because of their medication. Equally, they may have a fever or diarrhoea.

The general advice is for everyone, including older people, to aim to drink two litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid every day to avoid dehydration.

SYMPTOMS

Headaches and light-headedness Dry mouth, eyes and lips Small amounts of urine Muscle cramps

WHAT TO DO

Help them to sit down and give them plenty of water.

Give them an oral rehydration solution to drink to help replace salt and other minerals they’ve lost — you can buy this in sachets from any pharmacy.

If they have any cramps, encourage them to rest, help them stretch and massage their muscles that hurt.

Keep checking on them — if they still feel unwell once they’re rehydrated, then encourage them to see a doctor straight away.