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Association between low water intake and lung function impairment in elderly adults: a cross-sectional study
P-C Wang1, Y-F Wu2, M-S Lin1,3
1Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Public Health Action
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Adequate water intake is crucial for maintaining lung health, especially in older adults. Low water consumption is linked to a higher risk of both restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dehydration poses a potential risk to respiratory health.
- The impact of water intake on lung function in the elderly is not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between water intake and lung function impairment.
- To explore the effect of dehydration on respiratory health in elderly adults.
Main Methods:
- A community-based, cross-sectional study conducted in rural Taiwan (March-December 2022).
- 888 participants underwent lung function tests, physiological measurements, and provided demographic and medical history data.
- Analysis examined variables affecting lung function across different age groups.
Main Results:
- Low water intake, older age, and lower education were linked to restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment.
- Restrictive impairment correlated with cardiometabolic diseases; obstructive impairment with male sex and smoking.
- Elderly participants (over 65) with low water consumption showed increased odds of both impairment types.
Conclusions:
- Low water intake increases the risk of restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment, particularly in older adults.
- Public health initiatives promoting adequate hydration may help preserve pulmonary function in the elderly population.
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