Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

The Bahia 2011 Seniors study. patterns of
Hydration in the elderly in Spain
Maraver F (1-2) , Morer C (2-3) , Mir P (4)
(1) Professional School of Medical Hydrology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
(2) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Medical Hydrology, Faculty of
Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
(3) Thalasso Center, San Pedro del Pinatar-Murcia, Spain
(4) Marketing Danone Waters, Barcelona, Spain.
fmaraver@med.ucm.es
Background
The aging process is associated with changes that may affect the ability to maintain
water balance. The main objective of this study is to analyze the water intake
habits and attitudes of hydration in the elderly population.
Material and methods: A descriptive and transversal epidemiological study was
conducted in 2011 in the Hot Spring Medical Spa of Lanjaron (Granada). Data were
collected through a survey that included 1,071 subjects, all of them spa guests. A
multiple choice self questionnaire was applied.
Results
Women had a better rate of hydration than man (44% vs 25%). Water intake decreases
with age (43% in subjects 56-54 years vs. 21% in subjects> 75 years). The
liquid intake estimated average in the previous day was 1,778 ml (confidence
interval [CI] 95% 1741-1836) and the water average intake was 1,498 mL (95% CI
1455-1541). Water is, therefore, the 84% of the ingested liquids. Only 45% affirmed
that they use to drink the same amount of liquid than when they were
younger, while 55% reported drinking less. Highlights that the main reason for not
drinking water are lack of appetency (42.61%) and lack of thirst (41.01%). Almost
half of respondents (45%) do not carry liquids while walking. Of those respondents
who tend to carry liquids, 58.6% carry mineral water and 40% tap water. Only a
small percentage trends to carry infusions (4.5%) or soda (3.21%). A very high
percentage (93%) has liquids at home. Tap water represents the 51.9% and mineral
water, 48.1%. 4.0% said other liquids. 4 every 10 respondents do not drink water
when they wake up in the morning and 1 every 5 does not drink before sleeping.
Conclusions
Water intake in the elderly is insufficient. There is no knowledge about hydration
needs. The mineral composition is not a reason for increased consumption of
mineral water. Taste and safety aspects are the main reasons. Health education on
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 214-215
214
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4