Something I Learned About Elderly People

I had visited the local emergency room and had the chance of discussing elderly people with the triage nurse. The conversation came up as there was an elderly man (70-80 years of age) being wheeled by me on a gurney. He had an IV bag on and the attending RN was discussing how he had a fracture complicated by severe dehydration. I asked the nurse if it was really difficult for elderly people to recover from a fracture and she told me it is possible, but the biggest issue with a great percentage of the elderly is simple dehydration. They do not drink enough water. Not wine, fizzy soft drinks or tea -  SIMPLE PLAIN WATER. The nurse also told me it can be as much an unintentional omission of water as it could be a non favored beverage. Something so simple yet overlooked. I admit I am headed toward that end. I think I will drink some water now - then take a shower - just to be sure I have gotten enough water.