Water A Primary Nutrient for Healthy Ageing

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Water A Primary Nutrient for Healthy
Ageing Nick Ellins Water UK Malnutrition of
older people in care
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Water in nutrition

• The Theory
• Drinking water is now clearly recognised by the
  World Health Organization as a basic nutrient of
  the human body, critical to human life, and is
  seen by many dieticians as the primary nutrient
• The Facts
• Water is rarely considered or even offered in
  either nutrition or in care. It is a vital, but
  overlooked component of nutrition and wellbeing.
• The adverse effects of poor hydration
  include
• Kidney damage
• Dizzy spells
• Falls
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infections
• Cognitive impairment
• Certain cancers
• Pressure sores
• Poor Oral Health

Source H Forester BMA Researcher A draft
report of the published scientific literature on
the impacts of water on health.  Commissioned by
Water UK 2002
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Existing Care Standards

• The theory - "National Minimum Standards for Care
  Homes contains clear guidance on the provision of
  water to residents, and care homes must also
  ensure safe practice under the Food Safety Act
  1990".
• The facts Hot and cold drinks and snacks shall
  be freely available and offered regularly.
• Care Standard 15 (Care Standards Act 2000 March
  2001)
• Conclusion - No where else in public health
  guidance would you find tea, coffee, high sugar
  soft drinks, alcohol and fizzy drinks ever
  recommended. We learn every day how damaging
  these are. Yet in Care Homes for older people, it
  is standard practice.

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Existing Research

• One pilot study suggests that good hydration can
  reduce the risk of breast cancer by 33 for
  premenopausal women and 79 per cent for
  postmenopausal women.
• Consumption of 2.5 litres of water a day was
  associated with a 51 per cent reduction in
  bladder cancer risk compared to a 37 per cent
  reduction with other fluids.
• In one study, the risk of Colon Cancer was
  reduced by 45 per cent in women and 32 per cent
  in men who drunk four or five glasses of water, a
  day compared to those who drank only two or less.
• Wise up on Water A review of available
  medical evidence by Hilary J Forrester,
  Independent Researcher and Senior Policy
  Executive, Science and Education, BMA

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The composition of the whole body changes during
ageing. There is a decline in the amount of lean
body tissue, an increase in body fat and a
decrease in the percentage of body water. This
means that older people can have impaired
temperature regulation, starting to shiver later
in response to cold. They are thus more
vulnerable to hypothermia. The reduced renal
function (meaning that urine cannot be as
concentrated) and the decline in the thirst
mechanism puts an older person at greater risk of
dehydration. Older people thus need to drink
plenty of fluids even if they do not feel
thirsty. Age Concern
Quote from Age concern Nutritional Care for older
people A guide to good practice by June
Copeman page 4.
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• Elderly people are at greatest risk for
  dehydration and its potentially life-threatening
  consequences. Elders aged 8599 are six times
  more likely to be hospitalised for dehydration
  than those aged 6569. More than 18 of those
  hospitalised for dehydration will die within 30
  days, and associated mortality increases with
  age.
• American Society of Consultant Pharmacists

Quote from Prevention and Management of
Dehydration by Jeannette Wick RPh, MBA Chief
Pharmacist, District of Columbia Department of
Human Services, Washington, D.C.
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The Water for Health Alliance
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