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Body water in the elderly--a review
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Sweden. bertil.steen@geriatrik.gu.se
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Body water estimation is crucial in gerontology and geriatric medicine. Methods for assessing body water changes with age and disease are reviewed, highlighting clinical implications for hydration management in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Body composition, including body water, is vital in aging research.
- Understanding body water dynamics is essential for geriatric patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for estimating body water.
- To discuss age-related and disease-related changes in body water.
- To explore the clinical implications of body water alterations in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Review of various methods for determining body water.
- Emphasis on validation of methods within specific populations and age groups.
- Analysis of how age and common geriatric diseases affect body water.
Main Results:
- Body water content generally decreases with advancing age.
- Significant increases or decreases in body water are frequent in diseases prevalent in older adults.
- Accurate body water assessment is critical for effective treatment.
Conclusions:
- Methods for estimating body water are diverse, with varying feasibility and validity.
- Age and disease significantly impact body water levels in the elderly.
- Proper hydration management is essential in geriatric pharmacotherapy and fluid/electrolyte therapy to avoid under- or overhydration.